(WIAT) – The Mobile firefighter who rescued a driver that drove his car into Mobile Bay on Tuesday doesn’t believe he’s a hero, despite what’s being said on social media.
Jonathon C. Lyles of Mobile Fire-Rescue spoke to News 5 a day after helping save 60-year-old James McCollum, who was seriously injured after speeding and plummeting into the waters off the Causeway.
“I kicked my shoes off, went in, was able to get the door open and the car was slowly taking on water at that point. [McCollum] was conscious, and I was able to pull him out, get him to shore, get him to dry land,” said Lyles.
McCollum may have suffered a “medical episode” at the wheel, causing the accident, News 5 is told.
Lyles, who was off-duty, was driving home to Daphne when he saw the car go off the roadway and into Mobile Bay. He sprinted into action, and received some cuts and bruises in helping get McCollum to the shore.
