Citizens Rescue Woman Who Jumps From Gandy Bridge
Release Number: 09-281
Who:
Rescued:
Sophia L. Dao
DOB: 9/29/86
Address: 3718 138 Ave. North - Largo
Citizens who assisted:
Shan L. Branhan
DOB: 11/8/72
Address: 4107 East Comanche - Tampa
Nedzed Crnalic
DOB: 3/16/62
Address: 418 62nd Ave. NE - St. Petersburg
What: A woman, later identified as Sophia Dao, was observed by Crnalic to be walking along the south side railing of the Gandy Bridge when she suddenly climbed over the railing and jumped into the water. Crnalic was fishing from the rocks on the south side and was about to jump in the water to assist when Branhan, who was also fishing on the south side, then jumped in the water. The two were able to bring her to safety. Fire Rescue responded.
Ms. Doa was taken to St. Anthony's Hospital for observation.
Where: The rescue occured on the south side of the Gandy Bridge. The woman reportedly had walked about 100 feet onto the bridge before climbing over the railing to jump.
When: Sheriff's deputies responded to the incident just after noon, Thursday, November 5, 2009.
How/Why: A woman who jumped off the Gandy Bridge just after noon, Thursday, November 5th, was rescued by two male fishermen who saw her in the water.
The two fishermen were not acquainted, but just happened to be fishing in the same general vicinity - standing on the rocks on the south side of the bridge.
According to deputies, Crnalic saw the woman walking on the bridge and then suddenly climb over the railing and jump into the water.
While Crnalic was preparing to assist, Branhan jumped in the water, and swam to Dao, who was struggling and screaming for help.
Branhan and Crnalic assisted in the rescue. Paramedics and deputy sheriffs arrived shortly after. Deputies report that Dao was transported to St. Anthony's Hospital for observation once she was stabilized at the scene.
No one was seriously injured.
The investigation continues.
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