Rescue attempt unfolds on Lake Woodruff

A 56-year-old fisherman from Astor, Florida, died after suffering a medical emergency on a pontoon boat on Lake Woodruff early Sunday morning, Aug. 23, according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. The incident prompted a coordinated response involving a 911 dispatcher, the sheriff's helicopter Air One, patrol deputies, and EMS.

The 911 call came in at 6:45 a.m. after the man collapsed on the boat, as reported by the Naples Daily News. The call-taker gave CPR instructions to the caller as the multi-agency response began.

Helicopter paramedic jumps into action

The sheriff's helicopter flew over Lake Woodruff and spotted the boat. Flight paramedic Matt Brunelle, the first on scene, jumped from the helicopter into the lake, according to authorities. Toronto Sun reported that Brunelle jumped about 20 feet from the helicopter, and video released by the Volusia Sheriff's Office showed the rescue. Brunelle later told ClickOrlando.com that the lake was in a remote area, where rescuers could have taken at least 20 minutes by boat to reach the man.

"So it was almost instant. He needed assistance immediately — and her being by herself," Brunelle said, as quoted by Toronto Sun.

Good Samaritan aids deputies

Patrol deputies met a Good Samaritan with his own boat who agreed to take them out to help. The sheriff's helicopter guided them to the boat, and they climbed on and continued CPR while Brunelle drove the boat toward land to meet an ambulance. The Good Samaritan told deputies that the lake's average depth is only four feet, adding, "You can walk across it, except for gators," according to Toronto Sun.

EMS personnel then arrived on the water and took over life-saving measures until they reached shore, where the man was transported to a hospital, officials said.

Outcome and response

Despite the extensive efforts, the man was pronounced dead. "Despite extensive efforts, sadly the 56-year-old was not able to recover," a sheriff's office Facebook post read, as cited by Naples Daily News. "We were hoping to deliver the good news that his life was saved. Instead, we are sending sincere condolences to this man's family, friends and loved ones. It's not the outcome we hoped for, but everyone involved in this call gave their best to give him a chance."

Brunelle echoed that sentiment, telling Toronto Sun that everyone involved "gave their best to give him a chance."

Lake Woodruff is located in Volusia County, near the community of DeLeon Springs, Florida.