Nowata County teens recognized for helping save man's life

<br>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Two Nowata County teens were presented with Heroic Oklahoman awards Tuesday for helping save a man from drowning after a car accident. <br><br>Gov. Brad Henry presented the awards

Tuesday, May 13th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Two Nowata County teens were presented with Heroic Oklahoman awards Tuesday for helping save a man from drowning after a car accident.

Gov. Brad Henry presented the awards to Tara Holt, 17, and Josh Holt, 14.

The two were driving to school near South Coffeyville on Oct. 16 when they saw a pickup truck on the side of the road. Todd McGee was on the ground beside the truck, face down in a ditch filled with water, Henry said.

Tara stopped the car to call 911 on her cell phone while Josh held the McGee's head above water until emergency officials arrived, Henry said.

``Had it not been for their heroic efforts, it is very likely that Mr. McGee would not be here today,'' Henry said.

McGee, 36, had apparently suffered a diabetic seizure that led to the accident. He was taken to the hospital with serious head injuries.

McGee was present at the ceremony honoring the teens.

``I'm just very grateful that they saved my life,'' he said.

Ironically, the two siblings had taken a different route to school the day of the accident because a train was blocking their usual route.