Mystery Helpers Rescue Kite Flyer From Potomac at Jones Point Park

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A Saturday afternoon of kite flying at Jones Point Park took a frightening turn when a visitor stepped backward and fell into the Potomac River.

The visitor contacted The Zebra by email Monday night, hoping Alexandria could help identify the strangers who immediately rushed to the rescue.

“At least three incredible people reacted immediately and dragged me out of the water,” the visitor told The Zebra.

The visitor said they had been flying a kite when they stepped backward, not realizing there was no barrier along that portion of the river’s edge.

Their eyeglasses were lost in the fall, leaving their vision so blurred that they could not clearly see the faces of the people who helped.

“While I tried my best to thank those around me in the moment, I was soaking wet and very upset about losing my glasses,” the visitor told The Zebra.

The kindness continued in the parking lot, where two couples lent the visitor their phones and helped arrange a taxi home. The visitor needed to change into dry clothes, retrieve a spare pair of glasses and then return for their car.

Now safely home, the parkgoer wants another opportunity to thank everyone who stepped forward during the emergency.

“I would love nothing more than to properly thank everyone involved, treat them to coffee or lunch, and make sure they receive the recognition they deserve for their quick thinking and kindness,” the visitor told The Zebra.

Anyone who helped pull the visitor from the river, assisted in the parking lot or knows the people involved is asked to email [email protected].

To confirm that the right people have been located, respondents should mention the approximate time the incident occurred or describe what the visitor was wearing.