Rower and rowing coach rescue driver who crashed in Schuylkill River
Jul 10, 2026
A rower and a college rowing coach said they rescued a driver who crashed into the Schuylkill River off of Kelly Drive in Philadelphia Friday afternoon.
NBC10 responded to the 2200 block of Kelly Drive near the Gillin’s/St. Joseph’s University Boathouse around 12:30 p.m. and spotted a car tha
t was submerged in the water as well as a large police presence.
Libby Peters, a former member of the U.S. National women’s rowing team, and Rebecca Grzybowski, the head coach of the Temple University women’s rowing team, told NBC10 they were in the area filming a documentary when they heard the sound of the car crashing into the water.
Peters said she threw off her mic, ran towards the river and jumped in the water. At the same time, Grzybowski went into a boat and rowed towards Peters and the driver.
The two women said they then managed to get the man out of the car and bring him over to safety.
Police have not yet revealed the cause of the crash or the man’s condition.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
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