Clearwater Medics Rescue 91-Year-Old Man From Car In Pond

CLEARWATER, FL -- Two Clearwater Fire & Rescue medics pulled an elderly man from his car as it was sinking underwater in a pond Friday, July 13.

The incident happened just before noon at 2022 Camelot Drive, which is in the Top of the World development off Montclair Road.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 91-year-old Harry Hefter of Clearwater was driving his 2013 Hyundai west on Utopian Drive East, east of Utopian Boulevard, in the On Top of the World retirement community. Hefter lost control of his car while making a left turn into a parking space. He then accelerated forward and collided with a parked car and a perimeter barrier wall. The car continued through the parking space, turned right and entered the pond on the north side of the roadway.

Fire medics Paul Sudduth and Andrew Sullivan were first on the scene and immediately put on water rescue gear, jumped into the pond and swam to where the car was sinking.

They were able to pull open a rear door and get safely out of the submerged car. Hefter had climbed into the back seat to access an air pocket so he could breathe as water filled the car.

Hefter was taken to Mease Countryside Hospital as a precaution for treatment and was reported to be in stable condition.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Images via Clearwater Fire & Rescue

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