Update: Neighbor Saves 3 People From Sinking Car

An observant neighbor is getting the credit for saving three elderly Sarasota residents after their car backed into a lake Tuesday.

According to the Sarasota Police Department, Cliff Wright’s curiosity was piqued when he heard a car revving outside his home around 12:30 p.m. He stepped out in time to watch as a car with three people inside plunged into the waters of a lake on the property in the 3900 block of Glen Oaks Manor Drive.

Wright wasted no time in helping those inside the vehicle. “He jumped in and helped the three individuals to safety,” an email to media from the department stated.

Police say Gil DiLoreto, 86, was driving the red Jeep Liberty with Darlene Miller, 77, and Patricia Cothern, 82, as his passengers. DiLoreto was attempting to back out of a driveway when the accident happened.

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“Officers believe he mistook the gas pedal for the brake pedal and drove the Jeep in reverse nearly 100 yards and into a lake,” the email stated.

All three passengers are safe, uninjured and returned to their homes shortly after the accident, the department reported.

The Sarasota Police Department’s dive team responded to the scene and used special equipment, including a vehicle rescue system bag, to help retrieve the submerged Jeep from the lake, the department said.

No charges are anticipated in the accident.

Photo Credit: Images from the scene courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department

Editor’s note: This article was updated Jan. 13 at 4:04 p.m. to include the names of those involved as released by the Sarasota Police Department.