Numerous other Twitter users struck a similar tone. “What a hero he is,” tweeted Ryan Clark, the NFL media analyst and retired football player. Word of Hillis’s plight caused an outpouring of support among American football circles. Two of the people at the scene had to be taken to a hospital, including one who traveled by helicopter, KNWA added, citing the first responders’ agency. Those four swimmers were back on shore when first responders showed up at the scene. The rescued swimmer had apparently assisted four others who had been in peril in the water, the first responders’ agency said, according to KNWA. The fire and rescue department said it was alerted to a swimmer in distress about 11.50am Wednesday, prompting two lifeguards and a firefighter to go into the water and pull out the person in need of help. KNWA obtained a report from the fire and rescue department which protects Pensacola that provided more details without identifying Hillis or the children.

“He’s … having some problems with his kidneys and his lungs, but the doctors say he is improving,” Greg Hillis’s post read in part. However, Hillis reportedly nearly lost his life during the rescue and ended up being flown to a hospital ICU, where he arrived unconscious.Īn uncle of Hillis, Greg Hillis, wrote on Facebook on Thursday that his nephew’s health was better, though he was still considered to be in critical condition.

Caught between two worlds i.c.u.