News

Actions

GoPro video shows daring Hurricane Irma rescue in Florida Keys

Posted at 8:30 AM, Sep 26, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-26 08:30:48-04

During Hurricane Irma's destruction in the Florida Keys, neighbors risked their lives to save a woman trapped within her home as her roof crumbled -- a daring rescue captured in a dramatic GoPro video.

RELATED: More hurricane stories

In Big Coppitt Key during the hurricane, two men heard the screams of Rena Mondzioch, who was preparing herself for death next door.

"I was scared. I screamed to God, and I started to cry," Mondzioch told NBC 6's Jamie Guirola.

Chris Guinto, a crocodile hunter, is one of the two men who ran over – risking their lives –  to help Mondzioch. When the men reached her home, the door wouldn't budge.

After noticing part of the roof came down, Guinto suggested the men break down the door.

The men battled the barrier for about two minutes and eventually freed Mondzioch, who was afraid but finally taken to safety.

Despite the heroic effort, Guinto does not want to be characterized as a hero.

"All I did was open a door. That's all I did. I mean, I don't want to be painted as one or anything like that," Guinto said.

But if not a hero, he can be described as an exemplary neighbor. 

Courtesy of our news partner at NBC Miami