Two courageous Carmel teens save three lives in water rescue

Prompt action by two Carmel teens helped avert tragedy when a grandmother and two young children ended up in a retention pond.

At approximately 11:15 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12, Carmel fire fighters and police officers were dispatched following reports of two children submerged in water. Upon arrival, emergency responders found the children, ages two and four, safely out of the water, alongside local brothers Maddox and Grant Larger, ages 15 and 14, who were continuing to assist the family.

According to reports, the children’s grandmother was struggling in the retention pond after the stroller holding the two-year-old had become partially submerged, while the four-year-old was strapped to her back. Neither the grandmother nor the four-year-old knew how to swim.

Noticing the distress, Maddox and Grant took swift action and jumped into the pond to aid in rescue. Together, the boys helped to pull the grandmother and the four-year-old to dry land. Maddox then pulled the stroller out of the water, unbuckled the two-year-old and began back slaps until the child resumed breathing.

Both children were conscious, crying, and evaluated by first responders. Carmel public safety teams noted that the quick thinking and decisive actions of Maddox and Grant undoubtedly saved the life of the two-year-old.

“The immediate actions taken by Maddox and Grant demonstrated remarkable courage and quick thinking under pressure,” Carmel Police Sgt. Matt Keinsley said. “Their heroic efforts made the difference between a tragedy and a miraculous outcome.”

Maddox and Grant will be recognized for their heroic efforts at the Nov. 16 Carmel City Council meeting.