A man who rescued a child from the White River was honored at last night’s Independence County Quorum Court meeting.
Independence County Judge Kevin Jeffery and Independence County Sheriff Shawn Stephens recognized Joseph Smith for his actions in saving a child who fell into the White River near Lock and Dam 1 in Batesville last month.
Eric Edwards, 47, of Jacksonville, died on July 14 while attempting to rescue his son, who had fallen into the river from a boat.
Judge Jeffery told the court that Joseph Smith rescued the child from the river at the risk of his own life, preventing a tragedy from becoming even more tragic and noting Edwards’s son can realize his future and build a life that has been given to him.
Joseph Smith said he believed it was by God’s grace he was present at that location at that time.
