On Friday, Florida Snipers and rescue divers had a nail-biting rescue operation as they raced against time to save a mother and son from a vehicle that drove off into an alligator-infested pond.
Florida snipers covered the rescue divers as they jumped into the pond to ward off potential alligator attacks.
The 80-year-old mom, Nieves Matos, and her son, Mario Laza, 56, were cruising along southbound on the Turnpike. As per authorities, the driver attempted to exit onto the westbound Southwest Eighth Street but lost control when negotiating the right curve on the exit ramp. The vehicle overturned and drove off the roadway into the pond, WSVN reports.
Witnesses and rescue crews dove into the pond to rescue Matos and Laza. The rescuers found them in their blue minivan, which rescuers pulled out of water. The vehicle was later towed as authorities investigated what caused the crash.
Matos remains in critical condition, but her son, Laza, died at a local hospital. Family members told WSVN that Matos and Laza may have forgotten something and tried to return home but lost control of the vehicle.
Florida snipers cover the rescue divers
According to New York Post, witnesses also helped retrieve Matos and Laza. Still, when rescue divers realized that the pond was infested with alligators, snipers covered the rescuers to protect them from potential alligator attacks. Snipers were seen on the side of the Florida Turnpike in Miami, lying on their stomachs on the ground. Others walked around the perimeter.
Emergency responders administered CPR on the older woman.
Responders brought the victims to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in critical condition.
Earlier, a report said that children were involved in the crash as responders found a child restraint in the backseat of the van. Authorities later confirmed that no children were in the water when the van crashed.
Family members said Matos is recovering and is now breathing independently.
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The light of their workplace
The family has since created a GoFundMe to raise funds for Laza's funeral and Matos' medical expenses. As per DailyMail, Laza was an employee at Miami Springs gas station.
His loved one described him as a beloved friend, coworker, and "a person you would never forget," even if you met him once. Friends said he was someone who was "full of life, laughter, and good times to share." The GoFundMe also reads that Laza had a giant heart and a unique personality. Coworkers said that Laza worked as a mechanic at the Westar for almost ten years.
The family was able to raise $4,850 as of Monday evening.
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