Wheelchair User Saved By Swimmer

Wheelchair-bound victim saved by swimmer after plunging into pond

BOSTON -- A quadriplegic man was rescued from drowning in Jamaica Pond.

The victim rolled into the water at full speed while in a wheelchair around 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

Julia Hutfless and her friend, who happened to be walking by, came to the man's rescue.

"This man who was... driving his wheelchair really fast on the pier, and normally, one would slow down toward the end, and we both saw him not slow down," said Hutfless. "We both said, 'He's not going to stop! He's not going to stop!' and just went right off the edge... His wheelchair went one way, and he was headfirst and lying in the water."

Hutfless recalled how she and her friend, Amy, sprinted down to the water to check on the man. While her companion rushed to call 911, Hutfless jumped into the pond to try and help the victim.

"I just jumped in and grabbed him and turned him over," said Hutfless. "He coughed a little... He asked where I came from. I think, perhaps, he was a bit mad at the fact that I helped him, but then, he was thankful when he was initially on the stretcher going into the ambulance."

Another Good Samaritan, who also witnessed the scene, reportedly jumped into the water to assist.

The three witnesses were able to pull the victim over to the side of the pond by the time authorities arrived.

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