People watched in horror as a car plunged 15 meters into a river and began sinking — one man’s question made him jump without hesitation
Trigger Warning: This article contains themes of attempted suicide that can be distressing for some readers.
When Navy rescue swimmer Jeremy Way was having lunch at Virginia Beach, the last thing he expected was that he was going to rescue a woman's life. As he sat down to eat, he watched a car plunge into the river and begin sinking. While people looked on in horror, Jeremy knew he had to do something. Here's the brave story of the Navy rescue swimmer whose quick thinking gave the woman a second shot at life, as reported by 13NewsNow on Friday, January 16, 2026.
@13newsnow A Navy rescue swimmer jumped into action after a car plunged into the water at a Virginia Beach boat ramp. His quick response helped save a woman’s life.#757 #757tiktok #virginiabeach #hamptonroads #localnews ♬ original sound - 13News Now
Jeremy Way was getting ready to eat his lunch when he heard a loud crash against the restaurant patio at Bubba's on Shore Drive. He noticed that it was a car that had driven off the boat ramp and into the water. He immediately stood up and asked bystanders if there were any passengers inside the car. After realizing that there was indeed a driver stuck inside, he did not think twice. "I had already started pulling my wallet, my phone, my knife, out of my pocket, and once I realized that the car was about 15 meters in, I just jumped in," Way said. He dropped everything and jumped into the water to rescue the driver, realizing it was a woman. What she said from inside stunned him.
The woman revealed that she did not want to live and asked him not to rescue her. "She's like, 'I don't want to be here, I don't want to be here anymore, leave me.' She tried locking the doors initially," Way shared. However, Way did not want to give up on her. He encouraged her through words and convinced her to get out of the car. As time went by, the car vanished out of sight, as onlookers watched the scene in horror. Some of them desperately called 911 as Way fought to break the car's window to rescue her. Fortunately, Way, along with others, was able to save the woman. While he held on to her, someone tossed him a rope, and they were pulled into a boat. Way believed that he was destined to be there to grab his lunch, which has now given the woman a second chance in life. The woman was admitted to a local hospital and was said to be recovering. "I'm an aviation rescue swimmer. I was here for a reason. So others may live, it's our motto," Way remarked.
A 2010 study authored by Netta Weinstein et al. noted that when people help others with autonomous motivation, that is, when they genuinely want to help, not because they feel forced, both the helper and the recipient show improved well-being. The study highlights that this behavior brings great satisfaction to the helper. When the woman, who was clearly attempting to end her life, refused to receive help, Way could have chosen to step back. However, he wanted to give her a second chance at life by motivating her and getting her out of the heartbreaking situation she was facing.
If you are having thoughts about taking your own life, or know of anyone who is, please contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)