UPDATE 12/01/12 @ 5:58 p.m.
KANAWHA COUNTY, W. Va. (WSAZ) -- A young man who doesn't have a permanent home is being called a hero after rescuing a man from the chilling waters of the river.

18-year-old McKinley 'Storm' Riffle knew what had to be done when another man stumbled down a hill and fell into the Elk River Thursday.

Despite temperatures hovering near freezing, Storm jumped into the frigid waters.

“He sunk to the bottom -- and as soon as I jumped in there I found him, I found him in like an instant, he was already on the floor,” Storm said.

Knowing the other man couldn’t swim, Storm mustered any strength and courage he had a pulled the man to shore and into the hands of paramedics.

But even after the fact, Storm stays humble. He’s not looking for recognition for himself but, rather, for the community that surrounds him.

"You know, I'm surrounded by a bunch of veterans so, you know, what am I supposed to do? I have to -- I look up to them, you know," Storm said.

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.

Police say alcohol may have played a role in the accident.

The man was taken to the hospital. No word on his condition. His name has not been released.

It happened near the Spring Street Bridge about 12:05 a.m.

Police say alcohol may have played a role in the accident.

The man was taken to the hospital. No word on his condition. His name has not been released.

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.