Susanna Reid tears up as she talks to 'hero' who saved baby from tragic accident

A family of five died when their car went off Buncrana pier.

Published 22nd Mar 2016

Susanna Reid became emotional on Good Morning Britain when she spoke to a ‘hero’ who saved a baby’s life.

A family of five died in a tragic accident when their car went off Buncrana pier in County Donegal in Northern Ireland however the baby was saved by a brave passer-by.

Davitt Walsh, who was out on the pier with his girlfriend, immediately took off his clothes, swam to them and risked his life to save the family.

He said: “I tried my best. The car kept gradually going out and out to sea. Mr McGrotty was obviously very distressed. He sat up on the ledge and the water started to rush in and he passed me the baby first of all.

“One of the boys tried to get out the driver’s window so I grabbed his hand and tried to get him also but then this all happened in second… Next thing the water all rushed in and the father just got back in the car and looked at me and he said ‘save the baby’.”

In the car was 57-year-old Ruth Daniels, her 15-year-old daughter Jodie Lee, son-in-law Sean McGrotty who was 46 and his sons, 12-year-old Mark and Evan, who was eight.

Susanna said she was ‘speechless’ on hearing the story and called him a hero while fighting back tears.

He added that he’s going to meet the victim’s families and talk about their last moments together and was looking forward to seeing baby Rionaghac-Ann again, who’s recovering well after the ordeal.

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Steve Furnell

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