A stroller carrying an infant was swept into Lake Michigan by a sudden gust of wind at Belmont Harbor on Chicago’s North Side, as recounted by the hero who plunged into the water to save her, according to ABC7.
The incident occurred around 3 p.m., when Chicago police reported that the 8-month-old was in the stroller as it fell into the lake.
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Several bystanders witnessed the unfolding situation and sprang into action, successfully rescuing the baby from the water, authorities confirmed.
The child was promptly taken to Lurie Children’s Hospital for evaluation and was initially reported to be in good condition, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Lio Cundiff, who admits he is not a swimmer, felt compelled to act quickly when he saw the stroller being pushed away from the mother by a strong gust, carrying the infant into the lake.
“Her child could have been lost,” Cundiff remarked.
A daring dive by the good Samaritan helped to the save the life of the 8-month-old girl who fell into Belmont Harbor.
“I see a stroller getting blown into the lake… and a lady screaming,” Cundiff said.
Her mother was watching helplessly, he said.
“I can tell she was too panicked to do anything, so I was, like, ‘I guess I’m jumping in,’” Cundiff said. “That baby was – I wasn’t going to let that baby die. That’s crazy.”
Cundiff spoke to ABC7 from his hospital bed following the harrowing rescue of the infant during a Wednesday afternoon that saw windy conditions. Despite warmer air temperatures this week, Lake Michigan remains frigid.
“I’m just glad the stroller was up, not face down,” Cundiff said. “The baby dipped under a couple times, but I was able to keep her up. And she was breathing and crying when we got her out.”
Other witnesses helped them back on dry land.
Police say the girl was taken to the hospital for observation, initially listed in good condition –
The girl was in good condition all due to the bystander-turned-rescuer who put his own life on the line to save another that’s just starting to grow.
“I hope she has a really cool future, and I’m happy I was there,” Cundiff said.
Cundiff says he’s in the hospital for heart monitoring and hopes to be released after an overnight stay.
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