Latest news with #IndianRiverCountySheriff'sOffice
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pilot and 2 Passengers Survive After Crashing into the Atlantic Ocean at Night. Inside 'Heroic' Rescue
A single-engine plane crashed into the ocean off the coast of Vero Beach in Florida on Sunday, June 1 Multiple agencies responded to the mayday call, and a helicopter was able to spot the three passengers in the water Sheriff Eric Flowers said the survivors "would probably be dead out there today if it weren't for our efforts"Three people were saved in a 'heroic' nighttime rescue after a small plane crashed off the coast of Florida. On Sunday, June 1, at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time, a mayday call came in from the pilot, Sheriff Eric Flowers of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office said at a press conference shared by ABC affiliate WPBF. The pilot was headed to Vero Beach Airport, but crashed into the Atlantic Ocean just a few miles offshore. Fortunately, a helicopter was able to locate three heat signatures in the water and the pilot and both passengers were pulled to safety, Air and Marine Operations, a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, confirmed in a statement. Flowers estimated that the three people were treading water for about 45 minutes before they were recovered. The pilot was the most severely injured, reporting pain in his ribs, however, all three were transported to Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce for further medical examination. The crash is now being investigated by the NTSB and FAA. 'This is just an incredibly heroic event,' Flowers said of the joint agency rescue, noting that the passengers 'would probably be dead out there today if it weren't for our efforts.' Flowers said that the mayday call, which provided officials with coordinates, and a witness sighting were crucial in the rescue. A helicopter 'spotted the persons in the water and directed rescue boats to their location,' the sheriff's office said in a statement shared on Facebook. When rescue teams got to the scene, the two passengers 'were pointing' to the pilot. Deputy Pilot Jonathan Lozada noted that the dark surroundings added to the danger of the rescue. Another was the distance from land. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 'That's a challenge for us. We don't normally fly out, three miles out in the ocean,' said Flowers. 'So, they definitely put their own lives at risk.' Despite the risk, everyone involved in the rescue is grateful they were able to save all of the survivors. 'It's just an incredible story. I can't wait for you guys to hopefully get to a day to talk to the people who were actually in the plane,' Flowers said, addressing the group of reporters. 'Because, on our side, it's phenomenal.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
18-Year-Old High School Senior Dies After Drowning During Beach Trip Days Before Graduation
A high school senior drowned on the east coast of Florida after getting caught in a rip current days before he was set to graduate Other beachgoers pulled the 18-year-old from the water and started CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital On Saturday, May 10, his high school held a remembrance event, where his classmates left handwritten notes on paper heartsA Florida high school senior died after getting caught in a rip current just days before he was set to graduate. While at the beach with a group of classmates after school on Friday, May 9, the student was pulled underwater for several minutes, according to a Facebook post from Sebastian River High School. Captain Joe Abollo, a Public Information Officer for the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, confirms to PEOPLE that officials began receiving 911 calls around 1:41 p.m. local time. He said other beachgoers pulled the teen from the water and started CPR before emergency responders arrived. School officials wrote online that despite efforts to save the student, he died at a hospital. The student, who is identified only as Calvin in tribute photos posted to the school's social media account, was also a member of the high school band. 'This loss deeply impacts our Shark family,' school officials wrote. 'Our thoughts and hearts are with the student's family, friends, and everyone who is grieving. Thank you for keeping this family and our school community in your thoughts.' The graduating class of 2025 is set to receive their diplomas on May 15, according to the school's website. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. On Saturday, May 10, Sebastian River High School held a remembrance event to honor their classmate, during which students left handwritten notes on paper hearts. 'Our Shark Family was able to share stories and lean on each other during this incredibly difficult time,' school officials wrote in another post. In the wake of the student's death, officials are stressing the dangers of rip currents. 'Rip currents are powerful,' Captain Abollo tells PEOPLE, warning that they are invisible while looking at the water's surface. Speaking generally about water safety, he encourages beachgoers to swim near a lifeguard and follow posted warnings. Additionally he recommends that people swim parallel to the shore if they're pulled away by a rip current — and adds, "don't fight it and don't panic, because that's what can cause a tragedy." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Double shooting investigation underway in Indian River County; 2 men hospitalized
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – Two men were hospitalized with gunshot wounds following a shooting at a residence north of Vero Beach, a law enforcement official said. Both men were taken to Health First's Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne because of the severity of their wounds, said an Indian River County Sheriff's Office spokesperson. Detectives are working to determine what led to the shooting inside the residence in the 4200 block of 32nd Avenue on May 11, Capt. Joe Abollo said. The two men were first taken to Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital emergency room around 2:30 p.m., which led to the investigation, according to a news release. A third man who was said to be a person of interest was found near the home and questioned by law enforcement. The person was initially apprehended by deputies as the suspected shooter, according to the news release, however, Abollo said Monday he was released and was 'cooperating with the investigation.' As of May 12 he said no one was in custody and there were no suspects, and that the shooting was considered an isolated incident. A firearm was also recovered at the property as evidence. More: Could Costco open a new store in Port St. Lucie? What we know about 'ongoing negotiations' More: Social Security call wait times reach record high; try these local office phone numbers Corey Arwood is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Corey on Twitter @coreyarwood, or reach him by phone at 772-978-2246. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Double shooting investigation underway in IRC; 2 men hospitalized
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Amazing little puppy': Neglected dog now saving lives in Indian River County
The Brief Penny, a rescue pup from a neglectful home, has been adopted by the Indian River County Sheriff's Office and trained for search and rescue. After completing her training with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office K9 unit, she is now certified to assist in locating missing and endangered individuals. Penny and her handler, Deputy Samuel Lewis, have already responded to multiple calls, showcasing the impact of giving rescue dogs a second chance. ORLANDO, Fla. - A pup that needed saving will now save lives in Indian River County. The backstory "Penny" was rescued from a bad home and adopted by the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. Now, she's paying it forward in the search and rescue department after sharpening her skills in Brevard County. Penny came to the Space Coast to learn under the Brevard County Sheriff's Office K9 trainers because they've been training dogs for decades and know how to help them learn crucial skills. Her handler, Deputy Samuel Lewis, says she will help in the "search and rescue for missing and endangered elderly and kids, autism, Alzheimer's." What's next Her new mission in life is to help others after her life started out pretty rough for the 1-year-old pup. "We know that she was taken from a neglectful home, not properly cared for, malnutrition, not properly fed," said Jacob Curby, who's the K9 Sergeant for the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. The Indian River County Sheriff's Office adopted her from a hound rescue in North Florida and sent her to the Space Coast to learn from a well-established K9 training program. "We have dogs trained in just about every facet you could do," said Tod Goodyear, who's the public information officer for BCSO. BCSO taught Penny all the tracking skills she and Deputy Lewis need for search and rescue operations. Penny passed her national certification test and can now pay it forward. "It is a great way to get a dog out of a bad situation, turn it around and train it and put it out to help a community," said Goodyear. Penny's already making an impact on those closest to her. "Life changing," said Deputy Lewis. "She's the best thing to be able to rescue her and be able to help her out." Deputy Lewis loves his new partner. They're stationed at the county jail right now and have already responded to several missing people calls in the community. "She's an amazing little puppy," concluded the deputy. BCSO has trained hundreds of law enforcement K9s, from therapy to narcotics and patrol, not only in Florida but across the country. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source The information in this article comes from reporting done by FOX 35's Esther Bower.
