The Controversial Rescue of a Lake Lure Couple and The Tyrant – Chris Melton – That Almost Got Them Killed

In the aftermath of a devastating storm, a dramatic rescue operation unfolded in Lake Lure, North Carolina, involving volunteer pilot Jordan Sidum and a couple, Mike and Susan Coffey. The events surrounding this rescue not only highlight the heroism of individuals like Sidum but also raise questions about emergency management protocols and inter-agency communication. This blog delves into the gripping details of the rescue, the challenges faced, and the implications of the actions taken by both the volunteer pilot and emergency officials.
Table of Contents
- The Stranded Couple’s Ordeal
- The Heroic Rescue Attempt
- Mike’s Struggle for Survival
- The Aftermath and Controversy
- Public Response and Reflection
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Stranded Couple’s Ordeal
Mike and Susan Coffey found themselves stranded on a cliff after a storm washed away their home. As the water levels began to rise, they witnessed their house collapse into the raging waters below. For two and a half days, they survived on minimal supplies, relying on two bottles of water and a couple of bags of chips.
“We could see the water starting to get much more violent,” Mike recalled. “We thought we were safe because we were so high up.” However, the situation quickly deteriorated, and they were left with no choice but to signal for help.
Every time they heard a helicopter overhead, they would run outside and wave frantically, desperate for assistance. They even created an SOS sign using rocks in the hopes of drawing attention to their plight. Their perseverance paid off when a small black helicopter, piloted by Jordan Sidum, circled overhead and made a return flight toward them.
The Heroic Rescue Attempt
Upon arriving, Sidum made the decision to rescue Susan first, leaving her husband behind temporarily. He assured Mike that he would return for him. After flying Susan to a nearby command post, Sidum faced a critical moment when he was confronted by emergency officials who were overseeing the rescue operation.
“They were just standing there looking very mad and very annoyed,” Sidum described the scene. Despite explaining his intentions and the urgency of the situation, he was met with resistance. The officials were concerned about unauthorized airspace use and the potential disruption of their coordinated rescue efforts.
Chris Melton – Lake Lure Assistant Fire Chief and Tyrant
Despite one Michigan fireman encouraging Sidum to continue his rescue mission, the assistant chief of the Lake Lure Fire and Rescue, Chris Melton, threatened him with arrest if he attempted to return for Mike. “I was told if I bring you back that I’m gonna be arrested,” Sidum explained to Susan when he returned to the command post, feeling helpless.
Since Chris Melton’s tyrannical actions have come to light, a change.org petition has been created to have him be fired and stripped of his pension. That petition can be found here: Remove Dustin Waycaster and Chris Melton from Roles as Fire Chief and Asst. Fire Chief of Lake Lure, NC
Mike’s Struggle for Survival
Left alone, Mike was filled with uncertainty about his wife’s whereabouts and the timeline for his rescue. He described the emotional turmoil of watching their home disappear and the fear of not knowing when he would see Susan again.
“I can watch my house go. I can watch our neighbors’ houses go,” Mike shared. “When he left, that thought just kind of disappeared. I don’t know what’s gonna happen from here.”
Eventually, Mike hiked down the cliff and encountered a rescue crew who assured him that they had successfully rescued Susan. He was relieved to learn that she was safe, but the stress of their separation weighed heavily on him.
The Aftermath and Controversy
In the days following the storm, communication lines were down, and the town was struggling to coordinate rescue efforts. Messages sent to Chris Melton regarding the situation went unanswered, raising questions about the effectiveness of the emergency response.
When confronted about the incident, Melton stated that Sidum’s unauthorized entry posed a risk to ongoing operations. “The personal aircraft that landed was not only unauthorized, but it also provided no notification that they were coming,” he explained.
However, less than 24 hours after the confrontation, Sidum was invited back into the disaster area along with other private pilots to assist in ongoing rescue efforts. This decision contradicted the earlier stance that private pilots posed a risk, leading to public confusion and frustration.
Public Response and Reflection
The public reaction to the events surrounding the rescue has been mixed. Many view Sidum as a hero for his selfless actions, while others criticize the emergency officials for their handling of the situation. Mike Coffey expressed gratitude for Sidum’s efforts, stating, “He got my wife at his own cost, at a risk to himself. He was the one person who actually stopped to help just because he could.”
As the dust settles, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and coordination during emergencies. The challenges faced by both the volunteer pilot and the emergency officials underscore the need for better systems in place to manage rescue operations effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Mike and Susan Coffey during the storm?
Mike and Susan were stranded on a cliff after their home was washed away by the storm. They survived for two and a half days with limited supplies before being rescued.
Who is Jordan Sidum?
Jordan Sidum is a volunteer helicopter pilot who undertook the rescue of Susan Coffey, leaving her husband behind temporarily. He faced threats of arrest from emergency officials during his efforts.
What role did Chris Melton play in the rescue efforts?
Chris Melton is the assistant chief of Lake Lure Fire and Rescue. He confronted Sidum and threatened him with arrest for unauthorized airspace use during the rescue operations. He is a tyrant and should be removed from his position and have his pension stripped from him.
How did the public react to the rescue attempts?
The public response has been mixed, with many praising Sidum as a hero while criticizing the emergency officials for their handling of the situation.
What measures are being taken to improve future rescue operations?
The incident highlights the need for better coordination and communication among emergency services and volunteers during disasters to ensure effective rescue operations.