Man jumps into Springfield pond, saves two women

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A good Samaritan in southwest Missouri is being hailed as a hero for jumping into an icy pond to pull two young women from a submerged car.

The Springfield News-Leader reported the rescue happened about 8:20 a.m. Tuesday in Springfield. Donovan Hensley had just dropped off his wife at work when he saw skid marks leading into a pond and two women standing on a sinking vehicle.

"There was maybe a foot of the vehicle above the water," Hensley said. "There was just sheer panic on the faces of the girls. They were screaming for help, crying, makeup running down their faces."

He realized there was no time to call 911 and went into the water. He convinced the women to jump to him, one at a time. He helped both to shore, warmed them in his car, then drove them home. No one was hurt.

The driver, Amy Osborn, said she was driving slowly, no faster than 20 mph. She said she tried to stop the car but it kept going.

Rhonda Wensel, center, and daughter Amy Osborn talk to rescuer Donovan Hensley on Tuesday in Springfield, Mo. Osborn’s car slid off an ice-covered road into a retention pond in southwest Springfield on Tuesday, and Hensley jumped into the icy water to rescue Osborn and a friend from the top of the submerged car. (Dean Curtis ~ The Springfield News-Leader)

Once the car was in the water, the doors wouldn't open because of the pressure, Osborn said. She and her passenger were able to roll down the windows and climb to the roof.

Hensley, of nearby Nixa, Mo., said he was glad he was the one who saw the sinking car.

"I grew up in the country. I fish year round and I'm used to being in the river," he said. "You kind of know how to swim in wet jeans if that's what you have to do."