Drowning Man Rescued By CPC Danville Member In Chicago

DANVILLE, CA — A member of Danville's Community Presbyterian Church turned her afternoon dog walk into a rescue mission last week when she saved a man drowning in the Chicago River, ABC7 reported.

The woman, Julie Macholz, now lives in Chicago but has held roles including youth leader and photographer at CPC, according to Elena Arney, CPC's director of communications. Macholz continues to attend CPC since the church moved services online during the coronavirus pandemic.

The rescue took place Thursday when Macholz, a retired Navy jet pilot, noticed a group of people standing near the water watching the 36-year-old man, who had attempted suicide by jumping in the river, according to police.

Macholz directed the onlookers to toss life rings in the water and eventually leapt in herself, holding the man with one arm as she swam back to the water's edge, ABC reported.

"I'm just glad I was there," she told ABC.

“We are absolutely not surprised to hear this incredible story about Julie," said Tyler Scott, Lead Pastor at CPC. "We know her as a joyful servant, who often walked through our whole town, seeing and greeting others."

The man was hospitalized in serious condition after the rescue.