April 19, 2014

Darnell Taylor - a Good Samaritan in New Jersey

Darnell Taylor, age 36, of New Jersey, is a Good Samaritan.
Darnell Taylor

During the evening of April 15, 2014, Joann Smith, age 49, took her kids out for an ice cream in Florence Township, New Jersey.  Her kids are ages 13, 14 and 15 - two sons and a daughter. 

After buying the ice cream she drove her vehicle onto a boat ramp and then into the Delaware River, on purpose, trying to kill herself and her children. 

When the vehicle hit the water, the kids called their father on a cell phone asking what they should do. They also tried to call 911. 

Joann Smith
In the meantime, Darnell Taylor and his wife, Laura, were driving past and saw the Smith vehicle in the water. He stopped his car and heard people screaming.  Darnell took off his jacket and jumped into the very cold water to swim to the sinking vehicle.  Laura called 911. 

Darnell pulled the mother and her children out of their vehicle and dragged them to shore.  He made numerous trips out to the vehicle in the river to save this family. 

Everyone survived. 

Joann Smith has been battling mental illness for a decade. She was charged with three counts each of attempted murder. Pray that she recovers from her torment. 

Darnell Taylor, who is a father of four, denies that he is a hero and says that anyone else in the community would have done the same.  

But of course, Darnell is a Good Samaritan and really is a modern day hero. He stepped up to the plate when many others would have been terrified to do so. Not many men jump into rivers to save others. 

God bless Darnell Taylor and all Good Samaritans who place themselves in jeopardy while coming to the aid of others. 

Thank you, Darnell. 

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