Panicked man in sinking car calls 911 to beg for help during storm, survives

By Janine Stanwood and Andrea Torres

LAUDERHILL, Fla. — Nerosier Valcy told the 911 dispatcher on Nov. 9 that he was going to die in a Lauderhill canal.

The panicked 55-year-old driver said he was in a sinking car. It was dark and the parking lot was flooded during Tropical Storm Eta.

“The water is coming up to my neck ... That’s it! That’s it for me,” Valsy told the dispatcher.

Nerosier Valcy, 55, was in critical condition after being rescued from a Lauderhill canal during the heavy rain and flooding brought on by Tropical Storm Eta.

Valsy had a final request for the dispatcher: “Tell my son goodbye.” She didn’t want Valsy to give up hope. Help was on the way.

“No! Don’t say goodbye,” she said.

Good Samaritans and first responders rescued Valcy. After weeks in the hospital, he made it back home and he is grateful for the group of heroes who were there for him when he needed it most.

Photos: Eta causes flooding in South Florida

About The Author

Janine Stanwood

Janine Stanwood joined Local 10 News in February 2004 as an assignment editor. She is now a general assignment reporter. Before moving to South Florida from her Washington home, Janine was the senior legislative correspondent for a United States senator on Capitol Hill.

Andrea Torres

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.