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Published November 30, 2015
An uninsured Georgia man who was left paralyzed from the waist down after risking his life to save a young girl swept away by a creek just outside Atlanta saw his health deteriorate overnight, MyFoxAtlanta.com reported.
The Friends of Mike Patterson posted a message on Facebook early Thursday morning that the 43-year-old, who was just starting a new job in construction, developed breathing problems problems overnight and doctors worked to comfort him enough so he could rest.
Patterson broke his neck in three places and severed his spine in the rescue attempt, according to his mother, Vicki Jones. She said Patterson had been floating face down in the water for three minutes before anyone realized what had happened.
"Mike is back on the ventilator, in a medically induced coma, and has pneumonia in both lungs. His sweet mom is sitting by his bed, holding his hand and praying for a miracle and that he is in no pain right now. His family asks that we raise him up in prayer," a post on the Facebook page read.
The incident occurred Saturday near the Silver Comet Trail. Carlisa Jones said her daughter stepped into a creek and was swept away in the current.
Jones said that Patterson didn't hesitate to dive in and help save the girl.
"He's a God-send basically," Jones previously told the station.
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https://www.foxnews.com/us/georgia-hero-paralyzed-in-creek-rescue-takes-turn-for-worse