Good Samaritan dies of injury

ROCKMART — A Georgia man who was paralyzed after diving into a creek to save a 4-year- old girl has died after nearly three weeks in a hospital.

Officials confirmed Friday Michael Patterson, 43, died from complications resulting from his injury.

Patterson was hailed as a hero after authorities said he saved a girl from drowning in Euharlee Creek on June 8.

Authorities say Patterson managed to pull the girl unharmed from the water, but struck his head during the dive and was paralyzed.

Wire services

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