A trio of good Samaritans was recognized Thursday for rescuing a woman and her 5-year-old son after their car crashed into a lake in West Broward.
The deadly dive happened on in February 23 near I-75 and 595. A mother, father and their 5-year-old son, Syed, were trapped inside their sinking car. Cellphone video from that night showed the moment after the car was pulled out of the water.
Thursday, Syeda Kashifa thanked the three men who saved her and her son from the lake as they were recognized by the Florida Highway Patrol for their heroic actions.
"I appreciate you guys from my family, my friends and my community," said Kashifa.
FHP said the family had been driving north on I-75 when they lost control and drove off the highway. Ricardo Rivas is one of the construction workers who jumped in the lake.
"Swam out of the vehicle to try to get him to roll down the window and it wouldn't roll down. But, we got the back window down and I was able to get Ali back to shore where I handed him off to Vladimir. And when I swam back out of the car, it had started sinking very quickly," said Rivas.
Little Syed and his mother were pulled to safety. Jeremiah Lewis, the third good Samaritan, said he tried to use a rock to smash the window, But Hassan Ali would never make it out of the car.
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"It was something I've never been through in my life," said Lewis. “I am very happy I was able to help who I could. [I am] deeply regretful that I didn't do more and that not everyone walked away,” said Rivas.
The family is now filled with gratitude, but missing their loved one.
"Thank you for saving me and my mommy but I miss my daddy," said little Syed.
Florida Highway Patrol said the three men were not only courageous but true heroes.
