80-year-old driver saved when passerby brings cop to sinking truck, Florida police say

An 80-year-old man stuck in a sinking pickup owes his life to the witness who flagged down a passing patrol car for help, according to police in Florida.

The rescue happened at about 5:40 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, in Winter Park, about an 8-mile drive north from Orlando.

“A Winter Park police officer on routine patrol was flagged down by a good Samaritan, Nate Camacho, after he witnessed a vehicle veer off of Via Tuscany (road) and into a body of water just outside the Winter Park Racquet Club,” police said in a news release.

“Officers ... entered the water to find a single occupant in the vehicle who was unable to exit. ... The driver appeared to be disoriented.”

Video shows the truck’s engine and cab were almost under water when an officer jumped on the back bumper to try and lift the front end.

Firefighters broke out one of the windows and worked with police to get the driver out, officials said.

Two rescuers held the man up by his arms and led him from the water, video shows.

He was taken to a hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries, officials said. The man’s identity and details of his injuries were not released.

“Officers credit Nate Camacho, the good Samaritan, with helping save the man’s life,” police said.

“With temps in the low 40’s ... his actions provided responders with the valuable minutes to free the driver from the water.”

Camacho works at Winter Park Racquet Club, police said.

Investigators suspect the driver experienced a medical emergency, causing him to lose control of the truck.

This story was originally published January 16, 2025 at 11:03 AM with the headline "80-year-old driver saved when passerby brings cop to sinking truck, Florida police say."