Brighten Your Day

Hero rescues woman after crashing her car into the river

May 30, 2013

Mike Ziniak saved the life of 22-year-old Rachel Cassidy by pulling her from a water filled car which had crashed into the river at night in the pouring rain.

Ziniak couldn't see anyone or if there were multiple people in the car. He heard cries for help and could see the top of a vehicle floating downstream. 

"It was like something you would see in a movie; it was insane," Ziniak said. "I got a better view when the taillights came up, but they quickly disappeared under a bridge because the car was floating like a raft."

The water was filling the car fast. Ziniak arrived and asked the driver if she had any children in the car, which she did not. Cassidy was up to her neck in water before Ziniak was able to dislodge her and pull her out.

Police arrived shortly after to take Cassidy to the hospital where she was treated for minor injuries.

The next day, Ziniak noticed Cassidy and her father standing at the scene of the car crash. 

"I introduced myself to her dad," said Ziniak. "I can't even explain the emotion. He was so touched and grateful that someone would help his daughter."

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Source / Full Story: Oxford Patch