Summer McCallum was swimming with her family last week when she became caught in a rip current off the South Carolina coast.
Her uncle, Earnest, said he was on the beach packing up when he noticed Summer struggling in the water. He rushed in to help, joined by several good Samaritans, including Derrick Moore.
"I saw him coming and... he was like grab my arm and I grabbed it, but like he was also struggling once he got to me," Summer said.
Other swimmers eventually reached the group with a flotation device. Summer was able to make it back to shore safely.
Moore, however, did not survive.
Now, Summer says she carries deep gratitude for the man who risked everything to save her.
"I would say thank you. I really owe my life to you," she said.
Even at just 10 years old, Summer says she will never forget the stranger who stepped in to help during one of the most frightening moments of her life.
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