A 17-year-old boy was rescued by helicopter Tuesday at a state park in Middle Georgia, but his 12-year-old brother drowned, officials said.
Monroe County Emergency Management officials said James Burdette and brother Christian went off a trail into a restricted area at High Falls State Park in Monroe County, were swept off the top of an area near the falls and plummeted about 20 feet.
Christian Burdette drowned.
When crews arrived, they saw James Burdette standing on a rock in a shallow area.
“It became obvious immediately that this was not going to be an ordinary rescue,” said Matthew Perry with Monroe County emergency, who added that parts of the water were very deep.
Emergency crews told Channel 2 Action News that because of the recent rain, water levels were up and may have contributed to what happened.
James Burdette was rescued about 2 p.m.
Perry said the teenager wasn’t concerned with himself after being rescued.
“I can tell you that when he got to the bridge, his biggest concern was his brother,” Perry said.
Perry’s crews were first on the scene at the park, about 50 miles south of Atlanta. He said a witness had heard screams and called 911.
It's the second time since May that someone died at the park. Danielle Flanagan, 38, of Savannah, fell while walking on rocks at a waterfall, an official said.
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