Three men save the lives of elderly couple | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Fresno, CA Anthony Guzman stayed at the side of the woman he helped rescue until Emergency Workers could pull her up the embankment to safety as bystanders applauded.

Guzman said he and a friend were skateboarding in the nearby park when they heard the car crash into the water.

Anthony Guzman said "We ran over here, we seen the car sinking. Me and him ran down there and then the car just went under the water, she was under the water with it, so I jumped in pulled her out, and just held her right here until the fire department came."

Curtis Riggs and his nephew also heard the crash and rushed to help. That's when they discovered they knew the victims.

Curtis Riggs said "Frankie and I slid down the bank on the other side and went down there. As soon as I got close, I realized it was our neighbors, Andy and Flo Murphy, I've known for years and years. So we just basically tried to help comfort them and stabilize them until the rescue folks could get here."

Riggs happens to be a former E.M.T. whose father established the County's only Ambulance Service in Merced. Kenneth Riggs passed away just two days ago, but Curtis said his father taught him well.

Firefighters agree Curtis and the other good samaritans did exactly the right thing...

Bryan Donnelly, Merced Fire Department said "They were friends of the people, knew who they were understood there was some medical history that helped us and how we treated and took care of them, so it was really good and stayed with them until we were able to get down and help them."

The humble heroes all said they're just thankful they could help.

Anthony Guzman said "My heart's pumping, it's like whew, I'm safe, and she's safe. It wasn't her time to go."

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash. They say the victims appear to be in stable condition, although they were a little cold due to the water temperature despite this very hot day.