MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2023 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) England, Jackson, Wiggins
A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE RECOGNITION AND COMMENDATION OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE TO 16-YEAR-OLD CORION EVANS FROM MOSS POINT, MISSISSIPPI, FOR HIS EXTREME BRAVERY IN RESCUING FOUR PEOPLE FROM DROWNING IN A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT ON JULY 3, 2022.
WHEREAS, Corion Evans, a sixteen-year-old from Moss Point, Mississippi, is being hailed as both a state and national hero after he rescued four people from drowning on July 3, 2022; and
WHEREAS, at 2:30 a.m. a car, which had three teenage girls inside, was accidentally driven off of a boat launch and plunged into the dark, alligator-infested waters of the Pascagoula River; and
WHEREAS, without a thought for his own safety, Evans dove into the water and began rescuing the young women one at a time. Afterwards, Evans explained that he thought of nothing but getting the victims to shore and was determined not to let anyone die that night; and
WHEREAS, Evans not only saved the young women, he also saved the life of police officer Garry Mercer, who had responded to the scene. Dragged underwater by a panicked victim, Mercer began drowning himself, but was brought safely to shore by Evans; and
WHEREAS, Moss Point Police Chief Brandon Ashley commended Evans for the "bravery and selflessness he displayed by risking his own safety to help people in danger"; and
WHEREAS, Evans was awarded certificates of commendation from the city. Mayor Billy Knight of Moss Point declared: "We are proud of the young man for having the courage to forget about himself and jump into the water. It's not often enough that you see people put others above themselves"; and
WHEREAS, Corion Evans serves as a reminder of the heroic, selfless individuals who reside in Mississippi. He has honored his fellow citizens with the pride and prestige he has brought to our state:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby extend the recognition and commendation of the Mississippi Senate to 16-year old Corion Evans from Moss Point, Mississippi, for his extreme bravery in rescuing four people from drowning in a serious car accident on July 3, 2022, and extend our sincerest wishes for success in his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Corion Evans and his family, forwarded to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Moss Point and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.