OKATIE, SOUTH CAROLINA – A neighbor who dove into a pond to save a 73-year-old woman from a 10-foot alligator is back in the spotlight after a viral post described the rescue as happening in Florida. The attack actually took place in Okatie, South Carolina, on the evening of July 3, 2020. Kenneth Brian McCarter pulled Carol DeLillo free from the alligator’s jaws, and both survived the ordeal. He was later honored with the Carnegie Medal for his bravery.
10-Foot Alligator Drags 73-Year-Old Carol DeLillo Into Backyard Pond
DeLillo was working in her backyard near the bank of an 8-foot-deep pond when the alligator emerged from the water. The reptile, measuring about 10 feet long and weighing roughly 275 pounds, bit down on her leg and pulled her in.
She was splashing in the water and calling for help as the alligator held on. The viral post, which incorrectly placed the attack in Florida, said she was dragged about 21 meters, or roughly 70 feet, across the pond. Her calls for help caught the attention of her neighbor nearby.
Kenneth McCarter Swims 70 Feet as Alligator Pulls Both Underwater
McCarter, then a 44-year-old plant operations manager, was nearby when he saw DeLillo struggling in the water. He jumped in and swam about 70 feet to reach her. He did not hesitate before entering the water, despite the danger posed by the large alligator.
He grabbed her around the waist and tried to lift her to the surface, but both were pulled under the water. On his second attempt, McCarter yanked her free from the alligator’s jaws. The viral post described the alligator rolling them underwater during the struggle.
Teenage Son Helps Pull Bleeding Neighbor From the Water
McCarter dragged and pushed DeLillo, who was bleeding heavily, back toward the bank after the struggle. His teenage son was waiting at the shore and helped get them both out of the pond.
The viral post credited the teenager as DeLillo’s son, but the Carnegie Hero Fund says it was actually McCarter’s own son who assisted. McCarter himself was not injured in the rescue. Both McCarter and DeLillo survived the attack.
Carol DeLillo Recovers and Presents Carnegie Medal to Her Rescuer
DeLillo underwent multiple surgeries for her injuries. She later regained the ability to walk with the help of a cane and continued physical rehabilitation. Her recovery took time, but she has spoken about how grateful she is for McCarter’s actions.
On March 4, 2022, the two reunited at the same Okatie bridge where McCarter first saw her in trouble. DeLillo personally presented him with the Carnegie Medal, one of the highest civilian honors for heroism in the United States and Canada. Both had moved away from the Okatie community by the time of the ceremony.
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