A frightening news story centered around a car falling into the Great South Bay. Local hero Anthony Zhongor was in the right place at the right time and took action.
Anthony didn't hesitate to jump into the water to save the victim. The Patchogue dock is usually a peaceful view, but that day a car nose-dived right into the water in Long Island, New York.
Anthony's dad said, 'I heard a huge splash and saw everyone running to the dock.' They could hear the driver desperately banging on the door for help, and Anthony saw no one diving in to save her, so he did.
Anthony said, 'I saw her banging on the door, trying to break it, and I got scared, so I just jumped in.' He dove in, opened a back door, pulled the driver out, and swam her back to the dock while the car quickly sank.
Anthony said, 'Suffocating is one of my worst fears, so I couldn't imagine anyone going through that right in front of me.' The father of the victim thanked Anthony for saving his 18-year-old daughter Mia.
Mia stepped on the gas instead of the brake and was embarrassed and shaken up. She was worried about her parents' reaction to losing the car. Mia's father is happy because his daughter is safe and the vehicle can be replaced, but she can't.
The Marines in the town that had already recruited him said Anthony is humble and selfless, and that's precisely what they look for in people who serve our country. Anthony is graduating next week, already dubbed 'hero' even before beginning his service as a U.S. Marine.
