Photo Credit: Wslupecki |
On Thursday, November 5, 2009 a woman from Largo jumped off of the Gandy Bridge and was saved by two citizens who were fishing in the waters below. Sophia Dao was observed by one of the fishermen, Nedzed Crnalic walking along the bridge.
Mr. Crnalic watched as the woman began climbing over the railing and jumped into the water. Nedzed Crnalic and Shan Branhan were standing on the rocks with their fishing poles cast in the water when the woman fell into the water. The two men were not there together, but had happened to be fishing in the same location.
Shan Branhan jumped into the water and swam out to Sophia Dao who was reportedly screaming for help and struggling. The two men were able to pull her to safety and fire rescue arrived. Sophia Dao was taken to St. Anthony’s Hospital where she was held for observation. Shan Branham is from Tampa, Florida and Nedzed Crnalic is from St. Petersburg.
Sources say that Sophia is in stable condition and the investigation continues.