A remarkable story of kindness and bravery unfolded recently when an expectant mother found herself in a life-threatening situation on her birthday. Shedly Appolon, who was eight months pregnant, was driving along I-95 in Martin County when she suddenly felt dizzy. Despite the joy of celebrating her 29th birthday, she faced an unexpected challenge that would require the help of a compassionate stranger.

As her dizziness intensified, Shedly lost control of her vehicle, which veered off the highway and into a pond. In a moment of confusion, she reached out to her fiancé, telling him she was “in the water.” Unfortunately, their call was cut off just as the water began to seep into the car, creating a tense and frightening situation.

Feeling the water rising around her feet, Shedly began to panic. She attempted to open both the driver’s side and passenger doors, but they were submerged and unyielding. It was at this critical moment that Logan Hayes, a Good Samaritan nearby, sprang into action. Without hesitation, he removed his extra clothing, dove into the water, and swam towards the sinking car. With determination, he managed to pry open the back door just in time.

“When he swung that door open, I was like you are an angel,” Shedly expressed her gratitude, recognizing the selflessness of her rescuer.

Rescuing someone from a sinking car is no easy feat; the pressure of the water often makes it nearly impossible to open the doors. The best chance for survival is to either exit before the car is fully submerged or to roll down the windows while there’s still air pressure inside. However, Logan’s quick thinking made all the difference for Shedly.

With the help of Logan, Shedly was brought to safety and soon met by paramedics who rushed her to the hospital. Due to the stress of the ordeal, an emergency C-section was necessary, and in a joyful turn of events, she welcomed her daughter, Ivory, into the world—seven weeks early and weighing 3 pounds 14 ounces. Shedly affectionately referred to her little girl as her “miracle baby,” a testament to the love and hope that came from a challenging situation.

Logan, reflecting on the experience, simply felt grateful to have been in the right place at the right time to help. This heartwarming story reminds us of the incredible acts of kindness that can emerge in our most trying moments.