Only on 2: Crash victim thanks rescuers

BEAVERCREEK, Ohio (WDTN) - Ruth Tackett was on her way to the store last Friday when she made a mistake that almost cost her, her life.

Tackett ran a red light, and was hit by another car.  The impact pushed her silver Ford Focus down an embankment and into the retention pond outside Soin Medical Center.

"It was terrifying for me because I am afraid of water and I can't swim," said Tackett, who is now recovering at her Riverside home.

Tackett said she could see people standing around the water, but was not sure help was on the way.  As her car sank, Tackett turned to a higher power.

"I know in my heart if he chose to take me, he would take me," said Tackett. I said, "Lord, send somebody to help me".  It was not even a matter of maybe twenty seconds and the security guard showed up. By that time, the water was neck deep".

Grandview Police Sgt. Clinton Ball, Officer Tyson Dillon and a couple of bystanders pushed Tackett's car to shallow water and pulled her to safety.

"I'm glad they took the risk. I know it probably wasn't easy on them, but I am glad they took the risk," she said.

Remarkably, Tackett survived the crash with just a couple of bruises. She credits her survival to the selfless and quick actions of  strangers.

"If they hadn't been there I would have drowned" said Tackett. There are no "ands", "ifs", or "buts" in my mind. I would have drowned".