Man paralysed and fighting for life after saving girl

A man has been left paralysed and fighting for his life after diving into a creek in northwest Georgia to save a 4-year-old girl who was in danger of drowning.

Rockmart Fire Department Sgt Chad King says 43-year-old Michael Patterson was visiting Euharlee Creek with his son when the girl went underwater.

Authorities say the girl had been playing in the creek and appeared to step into a section of deep water. Officials say Patterson dived into the water and was able to rescue the girl, but hit his head during the dive and was critically injured.