A sport fishing worker’s split-second decision to plunge into a Florida retention pond saved not one but two lives when he pulled an eight-months-pregnant woman from her submerged vehicle just hours before she delivered a healthy baby girl.
Story Snapshot
- Logan Hayes swam 30-40 feet to rescue Shedly Appolon from her sinking car after she suffered a medical emergency on I-95 in Martin County, Florida
- The pregnant woman was pulled to safety through the back door as floodwater engulfed the vehicle on February 6, 2026
- Hours after the rescue, Appolon underwent an emergency C-section and gave birth to baby Ivory, with both reported in stable condition
- The rescue marks another in a troubling pattern of retention pond crashes in Florida, raising questions about highway design and driver safety protocols
Ordinary Citizen Becomes Lifesaver in Critical Moments
Logan Hayes was driving near Interstate 95 in Martin County, Florida, on the morning of February 6, 2026, when he noticed brake lights and heard screams coming from a retention pond. The sport fishing boat worker immediately pulled over and swam approximately 30-40 feet to reach a sinking vehicle. Inside, Shedly Appolon, eight months pregnant, was trapped and panicking as water rushed into the car. Hayes opened the back door and guided the terrified woman through the seats to the backseat, pulling her to safety just before the vehicle completely submerged beneath the surface.
Medical Emergency Triggers Chain of Life-Threatening Events
Appolon suffered an undisclosed medical emergency while driving on I-95, causing her to veer off the high-traffic corridor into the retention pond. This incident follows a disturbing pattern in Martin County, where days earlier another woman experienced a seizure and drove into a canal with three children inside. Medical emergencies while driving account for approximately five percent of crashes according to NHTSA data, yet Florida’s highway design featuring numerous retention ponds for flood control creates uniquely dangerous scenarios when drivers lose control. The combination of medical crises and water hazards presents ongoing risks that demand attention from transportation officials and healthcare advocates alike.
Emergency Response Leads to Miraculous Birth
Martin County Fire Rescue arrived shortly after Hayes pulled Appolon from the water, providing immediate medical intervention before rushing her to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce. Medical staff performed an emergency C-section, and Appolon gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Ivory later that same day. Both mother and daughter were reported in stable condition following the delivery. Appolon’s fiancé, present for the birth, described hearing the baby’s first cry as “the most beautiful thing ever.” The successful outcome stands as a testament to rapid civilian response combined with professional emergency medical care working in seamless coordination.
Humble Hero Deflects Praise Despite Prior Water Rescues
Hayes, who has experience with previous water rescues due to his fishing profession, downplayed his heroic actions in media interviews. He told reporters he was “just kind of dumbfounded” about the timing of his passing by at the exact moment needed, adding that he “felt way more control in those prior water rescues” compared to this high-stakes situation. Martin County Fire Rescue officials praised Hayes’s actions, calling them an example of “incredible compassion and care from other individuals” that led to a “wonderful outcome.” The humble rescuer’s refusal to accept hero status reflects traditional values of selfless service without seeking recognition or reward, qualities increasingly rare in today’s self-promoting culture.
Florida’s Retention Pond Design Raises Safety Concerns
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about Florida’s widespread use of retention ponds alongside major highways. While these ponds serve essential flood control purposes in a state prone to heavy rainfall, they create deadly traps for drivers who experience medical emergencies or lose control of vehicles. The Martin County area has witnessed multiple submersion incidents in recent weeks, prompting discussions about potential safety improvements such as barriers, improved signage, or alternative drainage solutions. Florida’s Good Samaritan Act provides legal protection for rescuers like Hayes, encouraging bystanders to intervene without fear of liability. However, the frequency of these incidents suggests systemic infrastructure issues that protective laws alone cannot address, demanding proactive solutions from state transportation officials.
