COLUMBIA, TENN. (WTVF) — Two Columbia men are receiving a national hero award for saving a 25-year-old man with autism from the Duck River.
According to the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, which presents the award, Colin McNary ran into the Duck River in May 2025 and was swept downstream by the current.
On the south side of the boat ramp, 26-year-old Samuel Hardin Adcock and 41-year-old James Alan Garner, were with Garner’s family when they saw McNary get carried downstream.
Adcock immediately waded out to the channel and Garner instructed his two children to leave the water and go to their car before entering the water.
McNary eventually was swept to a calmer area of the river where Adcock caught up with him and grabbed him. McNary struggled to stay afloat and submerged Adcock, who pushed McNary away to get air.
After pushing and pulling McNary to a large tree root on the riverbank, they waited for first responders.
After being rescued, McNary, Adcock, and Garner were tired and cold but uninjured.
Austin Pollack brings us an update on a remarkable young man facing great odds, and his family has one simple request: pray for Cole. I believe in the power of prayer and hope you'll join me in lifting up Cole and his family.
- Carrie Sharp
