Retired News Anchor Falls into Ravine After Hike Goes Wrong

Carol Sbarge, a beloved retired news anchor from Atlanta, found herself at the center of a heart-stopping rescue mission after a hiking trip took a terrifying turn. The 67-year-old, who spent nearly three decades reporting for WSB-TV, suffered a serious accident while hiking with her boyfriend in the remote Chattahoochee National Forest this past September.

While navigating the trail near Panther Creek Falls, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia, Sbarge tripped on a rock and tumbled into a ravine.

“So somehow, as I was walking on the trail, my foot hit a rock. And before I knew it, I just went tumbling down this ravine,” Sbarge recalled during an interview with WSB-TV.

The fall left her with a broken leg in three places, requiring a plate and eight screws to repair.

With no cell service to call 911, the couple’s situation seemed dire. Fortunately, another hiker discovered them and alerted emergency responders.

The rescue wasn’t straightforward. Emergency workers from Habersham County Emergency Services hiked two miles to reach Sbarge’s location, as the terrain was too rugged for vehicles. Once on-site, they strapped her onto a wheeled stretcher and coordinated a daring helicopter evacuation—the first of its kind in that area.

Sbarge was secured to a stretcher attached to a chopper and airlifted 3.6 miles to safety, an extraordinary feat that showcased the bravery and skill of the rescue team.

“They’re just special people. They’re putting themselves at risk every day, not knowing what kind of danger they’re going to face,” Sbarge said, expressing her deep gratitude.

Paramedic Phillip Kimbrell shared his pride in the successful operation: “It means we’ve done our job. We got her to where she needed to be. Makes me feel great all over.”

Reflecting on the incident, Sbarge said the experience left her more appreciative of first responders and the risks they take daily. “It’s amazing. I’m very appreciative,” she said.

After a storied career in journalism, Sbarge now has a tale of her own that rivals any breaking news story. Thanks to the heroic efforts of the rescue team, this courageous journalist-turned-hiker can continue writing the next chapter of her life.