Good Samaritan Risks His Life To Save Family After SUV Nearly Plunges Off Cliff

December 30, 2025

A Christmas morning drive through California’s Sierra corridor took a dramatic turn when a car lost control along Historic Highway 50, leaving a family in a terrifying, life-threatening situation.

Ruben Tala runs to help / Yvett Babares-Tala

Shortly after 8 a.m., U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ruben Tala, who is stationed at Travis Air Force Base, was traveling with his family when he saw an SUV spin out and end up teetering hundreds of feet above the ground.

In a moment that demanded instant action, Tala didn’t hesitate.

“During that time, I mean, I think it’s the adrenaline kicking in,” he later said.

Video shared by KCRA 3 shows Tala gripping the driver’s side door as the vehicle dangled over the edge. With his own wife and young daughter nearby, he made a split-second decision to help.

“I thought about my wife and my daughter,” Tala told KCRA 3. “What if there’s a family in that car? Somebody has to help.”

As Tala worked to stabilize the SUV, several other good Samaritans stopped and rushed in to assist. Together, they were able to safely help the driver and his wife out of the vehicle. The woman appeared visibly shaken as she held the couple’s two dogs close.

Yvett Babares-Tala / KCRA 3

Afterward, one small but meaningful detail stood out to Tala.

“One of their dog’s names is Luna, which is my daughter’s name,” he said. “I was like, how’s that a coincidence, right?”

Tala and his wife, Yvett, share a 22-month-old daughter and were headed to the snow for the holiday when the crash unfolded.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Jason Christie, commander of the 60th Force Support Squadron, praised the couple’s actions.

“SSgt Tala and Yvett’s quick action and courage are a direct reflection of our Core Value of Service Before Self,” Christie said. “We’re so proud to have them as our teammates and to witness them ready to help anyone in need.”