Brave Citizens and Brevard Deputies Rescue Man Who Plunged into River

Pineda CausewayPhoto byauthor screenshot

On Saturday, September 7, 2024, calls poured into 911 regarding a vehicle accident. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey stated that callers reported seeing a vehicle strike the center median on Pineda Causeway and crash through the guardrail.

Not only did the vehicle plummet into the Indian River but good samaritans jumped into action before deputies arrived on the scene.

Deputy Bradley McLaughlin arrived and jumped in. He joined two citizens, Ariana Ebert and Don Cobb, who were already in 'citizen hero mode' to assist the lone occupant of the truck. The driver was trapped in his vehicle, preventing his escape.

The good samaritans held the victim's head above the water to prevent drowning as the vehicle continued to sink.

Ariana Ebert went under the water further to see if she could free the man from whatever was trapping him, to no avail.

Once Deputy James Basille joined in, the combined efforts proved successful. The team moved the man to land and Deputy Kane administered CPR. The victim was transported to the hospital. He remains in the Intensive Care Unit.

Sheriff Ivey Gives Praise

"Thank you will never be enough to Ariana and Don for the help they provided to this man, but please join me in making them feel the appreciation they deserve!! A big thank you to all of our Deputies, our Dive team, Ag Marine Units, Fire Rescue, the Satellite Beach Police Department, the wrecker company, and everyone else who helped out during this crisis." Sheriff Ivey

Indian River rescuePhoto byAuthor screenshot | Facebook

The Pineda Causeway

The Pineda Causeway (built in 1973 for roughly $7 million) in Brevard County, Florida, is an east-west highway for primary access to southern Merritt Island and Patrick Air Force Base. It spans State Road 404 across both the Indian and Banana Rivers.

Pineda Causeway, Google MapsPhoto byauthor screenshot

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Sources:
Wikipedia
Brevard County Sheriff's Office
Brevard County Sheriff's Office FB
Indian River Lagoon News