VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Friday, Dec. 19, was more like “Freaky Friday” for Norfolk resident Danny Dietrich. Dietrich, a valet, was on the job when he saw a man drive past Chick’s Oyster Bar in Virginia Beach.
“I was standing right there and he drove all the way to the end of the road and I saw him hit the pylon between the boats and land on the boats. He was slowly sinking,” Dietrich said.
He ran down to the dock and saw the man was still inside the car. Without hesitation, he jumped in to save him with help from a few bystanders.
“He was sideways. It was weird. Once we got the door open he started sinking fast, and we got him out at the last second. It was really close,” Dietrich said.
The driver was taken to a hospital. Chick’s staff told News 3 the man had a medical emergency and accidentally drove off the pier.
When News 3 heard about Dietrich’s actions, we surprised him as he started his shift at Chick’s and presented him with a News 3 Everyday Hero Award.
“We are here to give you a News 3 Everyday Hero Award. Congratulations!” I said. “That’s awesome. Thank you very much.”
“We have a community partner, Southern Bank, and this is the best part: Southern Bank would like to give you $300,” I added.
“Thank you, I love it! Thank you, Southern Bank!” Dietrich said.
His supervisor Zack Desimas said, “Danny embodies the definition of selflessness. Next thing I know I’m parking a car and he’s in the water saving someone’s life.”
News 3 attempted to contact the man Dietrich saved but was unsuccessful.
One thing is for sure: Dietrich’s quick action saved a life.
“If there was anybody who would’ve done it that night, it was Danny,” said Desimas.
And that’s why he’s Positively Hampton Roads.
