MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Washington State Patrol Trooper, passing motorist save man from submerged car

Oct 14, 2013, 8:49 AM | Updated: 8:55 am

The Washington State Patrol says a witness, Jim Kocker, and Washington State Patrol Trooper Jay Farmer rescued an unconscious driver from a submerged car near Ellensburg. (Image courtesy Washington State Patrol)

(Image courtesy Washington State Patrol)

The Washington State Patrol says a witness, who happens to be a former lifeguard, and a trooper rescued an unconscious driver from a submerged car near Ellensburg.

The patrol says the car left I-90 Saturday, crashed through a fence and sank in a pond with only the roof visible.

The patrol says a passing motorist, Jim Kocker, stopped and swam about 50 feet out to the car but couldn’t get inside because the doors were locked and windows were up.

Trooper Jay Farmer arrived, swam out and used a baton to break the window. Both men rescued the driver who was taken to Kittitas Valley Healthcare in Ellensburg.

Trooper Farmer says his heroic efforts are all part of being a trooper.

“Any trooper would have done the same. It’s what we do.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

MyNorthwest News

Photo: The seal of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seen before an FCC meeting to vot...

David Hamilton, The Associated Press

Net neutrality restored as FCC votes to regulate internet providers

The FCC on Thursday voted to restore "net neutrality" rules that prevent broadband internet providers from favoring some sites over others.

4 hours ago

Photo: A homeless encampment in Burien....

James Lynch

Burien camping ban saga continues as mayor speaks on resolution

If you live in King County, you probably know there is an ongoing feud between government officials over Burien's public camping ban.

4 hours ago

Photo: Brienne the dragon rolls down the Renton River Days parade in July 2019....

Julia Dallas

Renton’s Fourth of July show to light up the sky without fireworks

The City of Renton is taking a different approach to its annual Fourth of July show at the Renton River Days festival.

5 hours ago

Photo: This July 6, 2011 photo shows a grizzly bear roaming near Beaver Lake in Yellowstone Nationa...

Heather Bosch

Grizzly bears to return to Washington despite opposition

Grizzly bears WILL be returning to the North Cascades, decided the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

7 hours ago

I-5 accidents federal way...

Frank Sumrall

Multiple I-5 accidents near Federal Way, Kent clog up highway

All lanes heading north on I-5 in Federal Way were blocked off after a semi-truck suffered a rollover collision. The lanes have since reopened.

7 hours ago

Photo: A customer pumps gas at an Exxon gas station, Tuesday, May 10, 2022....

Kate Stone

WSDOT wraps up investigation into ex-employee’s gas price whistleblowing claims

An investigation into a WSDOT whistleblower, who claimed he was pressured to lie about the impact of climate laws on gas prices, is over.

8 hours ago

Washington State Patrol Trooper, passing motorist save man from submerged car