A woman is recovering after investigators say she intentionally drove her car into the Schuylkill River.
Investigators say the 45-year-old mother of four was driving on Kelly Drive and Fountain Green early Monday evening. She then allegedly drove into the Schuylkill in an attempt to kill herself.
"I heard a car jump the curb behind me," said Tyson Newby, who was jogging along Kelly Drive and was nearly hit by the vehicle. "I turned around and saw the car driving about 45 miles an hour."
Witnesses say the woman refused help from several people who were trying to save her. That didn't stop several boaters, including Meredith Mariani, the coach of a rowing team that was practicing on the river, from taking action however.
"He and I brought our boats together, kind of sandwiched her in between us and just held on to her," she said.
Rescue crews arrived at the scene and were able to pull the woman from the water.
The woman was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital where she was treated for hypothermia. She is currently in good condition, according to officials.
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Rescue crews also managed to pull the woman's car out of the water.
Officials say the unidentified woman will not be charged because of her mental state at the time of the crash. They also say however that her actions were reckless and put dozens of people in danger.
"This was an incredibly reckless act to commit here at this time of the day," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Joe Sullivan.
"It's very scary because it's a beautiful evening," said Mariani. "There are many people out here, running, biking."
Police also say they checked on the woman's children who are all doing well and staying with family.
