A heroic teen and his father are being praised for their quick thinking and bravery after they rescued a person from a car that had crashed into a pond in Arizona on Wednesday. The incident, which happened near Queen Creek and Dobson roads, caught the attention of 16-year-old Ethan Cakmak, who had just returned home from school. As soon as he learned of the crash, he raced to the scene with his father, Erkan.
Upon arrival, Ethan found that the driver of the submerged car was unconscious and in need of help. Without hesitation, the teen sprang into action, determined to save the stranded individual. He immediately started banging on the car’s windows, desperately trying to catch the driver’s attention. Simultaneously, his father called 911 for assistance.
Their efforts did not go unnoticed, as members of the Chandler fire and police departments arrived on the scene soon after. Together, the emergency responders and the good Samaritans were able to rescue the driver from the water. The individual was then taken to a local hospital for medical attention.
The actions of both Ethan and Erkan have been met with praise from authorities and the community alike for their selfless and courageous act. Chandler Police Sergeant Ricky Gonzales spoke highly of the father-son duo, calling their actions “cool” and commending them for standing up to help someone in need without hesitation.
The Chandler Unified School District also took notice of Ethan’s heroic efforts, recognizing him for embodying the trait of empathy in their “Portrait of a Learner” program. In a statement, the district expressed their pride and admiration for the teen, whose values of community and helping others were on full display during this event.
When asked about his actions, Ethan shared that he believes in being present and lending a helping hand to those in need. He referenced his own values as a contributing factor to his quick thinking and bravery during the incident. He also stressed the importance of community and how people should come together to support each other.
The crash is currently being investigated by authorities, who suspect that the driver may have had a medical issue before the accident occurred. In light of this, Ethan’s actions are now being recognized not just as an act of heroism, but also as a display of humanity and compassion for those in need.
