A teenager’s quick thinking turned a routine day of fishing into a life-saving rescue at Lakefront Park in Michigan.
Fifteen-year-old John Agnello was fishing when he saw a car fly through the air and crash into the water. Without hesitating, he jumped into action.
“I’m just fishing, know what I mean? Nothing crazy. I hear a loud noise, so then I run over there instantly with a neighbor… We both get in there at the same time,” John said. He and a neighbor swam to the sinking vehicle and found an elderly woman inside.
The woman wasn’t talking or responding much, which worried John. However, they convinced her to get out of the car. John’s first thought was whether there might be other passengers trapped inside.
“The first thing I thought of in my head … I grabbed the back window, smashed it,” he said, determined to ensure everyone was safe.
In the process, John got some minor cuts but didn’t feel the pain due to the adrenaline. “Got a few cuts, not a big deal,” he said. “I couldn’t even feel the cuts.”
John’s family was incredibly proud of his bravery. His aunt, Stacey Agnello, said, “We couldn’t be more proud. I’m a first responder… I think we found his career and I can’t wait to watch him grow and blossom.”
His mother, Beth Agnello, said, “As a hero, I’m hoping that he stays humble and considers some career options for his future.”
The U.S. Coast Guard and local police arrived after reports of the submerged car. The crash happened just before 12:30 p.m., and bystanders like John were crucial in the rescue efforts.
The car showed significant damage when pulled from the water, with the hood flipped up and windows broken.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident, and the woman was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Many teenagers might have frozen or simply recorded the event on their phones, but John’s upbringing led him to dive in and help. John said, “My family taught me to take action, not just stand there and go on my phone.”
John doesn’t know if he will become a first responder, but he loves helping others. “I think that’s just how my family raised me, just to take action and all that stuff,” he said.
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