Emergency crews responded to a distressing scene early yesterday morning after receiving reports of a vehicle submerged in a pond. Upon arrival at approximately 8 a.m., rescue units discovered one car fully underwater, setting the stage for a remarkable story of survival and heroism.
A Fateful Morning Drive Turns Perilous
Sheldy Apollon, a resident of Port St Lucie, Florida, was celebrating her birthday on February 6th while driving to a prenatal massage appointment arranged by her fiancé. At 34 weeks pregnant and diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, Apollon began experiencing dizziness during her journey. She initially pulled over to allow the sensation to pass before continuing her trip.
When the dizziness persisted, Apollon attempted to pull over again but accidentally drove her vehicle directly into a pond. "I started to feel some water on my feet, so I started to panic a little," Apollon later recounted to local news outlet WPTV, describing the terrifying moments as her car began sinking into the cold water.
An Unlikely Hero Emerges
Logan Hayes, a Sebastian resident running errands in the area, witnessed the vehicle plunging into the pond. Despite temperatures hovering in the low 40s Fahrenheit and an active cold weather advisory, Hayes instinctively dove into the frigid water without hesitation.
"The only door Hayes could open once he reached the vehicle was the rear passenger," Hayes later explained to WPBF, noting that all other doors were already submerged. Finding Apollon frantic in the driver's seat, Hayes calmly instructed her: "You have to come with me."
A Desperate Escape Against Time
As the vehicle began tilting and more water flooded the interior, Apollon climbed between the front seats to reach the back of her car. After she managed to exit through the rear passenger door, Hayes wrapped his arms around her hips to help her swim approximately 50 feet to shore.
It was during this swim that Hayes realized his rescue subject was pregnant. "Oh, my God – this lady is pregnant," he recalled thinking, according to his interviews with both WPBF and WPTV. Meanwhile, Apollon's vehicle completely sank beneath the water's surface.
Emergency Response and Medical Intervention
Emergency responders who had been summoned by another witness were waiting on shore when Hayes and Apollon reached safety. After rescue divers confirmed no one else remained in the submerged vehicle, Apollon was transported to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce for treatment of serious injuries.
Doctors at the hospital performed an emergency C-section, and within hours of her dramatic rescue, Apollon gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Ivory Atara, weighing 3 pounds and 14 ounces.
Medical Professionals Acknowledge Critical Timing
Dr. David Rubay, the hospital's chief of trauma, emphasized the crucial role Hayes played in ensuring both mother and baby survived. "Getting someone to jump in and open the door in the beginning – that made the whole difference," Rubay stated unequivocally in an interview with WPTV.
Gratitude and Emotional Aftermath
Woodley Sully, Ivory's father and Apollon's fiancé, personally expressed his profound gratitude to Hayes for saving both his partner and unborn child. "The only way I can explain this is God," Sully told WPTV. "You just have to believe, and … my girls are here, so I'm grateful."
Apollon herself reflected on the extraordinary circumstances that allowed her to share a birthday with her newborn daughter after such a close brush with death. "Our bond is just tighter than ever," Apollon said of her relationship with Ivory. "It's surreal."
The Rescuer's Perspective
Following the dramatic rescue, one of Hayes' first actions was to call his mother, Candy, who later shared on social media that her son's voice shook with emotion as he described saving Apollon and the "new life to be" within her.
Hayes characterized the experience as "a different level of crazy" when speaking with WPBF, while telling WPTV: "All the things that are positive – it's just, like, wow. Crazy to feel like I'm a part of something like this."
The Martin County Fire Rescue department documented the incident, providing photographic evidence of the fully submerged vehicle that nearly claimed two lives before Hayes' timely intervention created a miraculous outcome.
