SEBASTIAN — Two men who jumped into the Indian River Lagoon last month to rescue an elderly woman trapped in a submerged car were honored at Sebastian’s City Council meeting this week.
Stephen Cafasso Jr. and Jason Heilfurth were credited for rescuing Evelyn Staedelin’s life after spotting the submerged vehicle near Mulligan’s Beach House.
“It is no light feat what they have done,” Mayor Jim Hill said in recognizing the men and their actions.
Sebastian Police Chief Michelle Morris told the audience that Mrs. Staedelin is “doing very well” after having been flown to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center for treatment. She had been in the ICU for several days.
“It is such a miracle they both survived this,” Chief Morris said of Mrs. Staedelin and her husband, Joseph Staedelin, who had been driving.
The Staedelins were in the parking lot of the Sebastian Yacht Club around 10 p.m. on July 17 when Mr. Staedelin became disoriented and unaware of his surroundings. He drove the vehicle down the boat ramp and into the lagoon.
The vehicle floated beyond the south side of the dock before submerging, the Sebastian Police Department reported. Mr. Staedelin was able to escape the vehicle; his wife could not.
Cafasso and Heilfurth found Staedelin, who told them his wife was in the car – they dove in and were able to pull her out.
“It’s a great honor,” Cafasso said of being recognized, but added that he “shies away” from the term “hero.”
“The heroes are the paramedics,” Cafasso said.
Heilfurth was unable to attend the City Council meeting, but a friend, Todd McIntyre, filled in for him.
“He is a very determined young man,” McIntyre said of Heilfurth. “They did what they had to do without concern for themselves.”
Chief Morris noted that this is the second time in short order that Sebastian residents have been recognized for helping to save the lives of their fellow residents.
“We’re very fortunate to have such great citizens,” she said.
