AURORA, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) – An 18-year-old Ohio man rushed to help rescue a woman from floodwaters before she could be sucked into a drainpipe.

Melissa Fitzwater says 18-year-old Andrew Marino saved her life when she walked into a flooded creek on the Nautilus Trail in Aurora, Ohio.

“I’m just happy to be here. I’m happy to be alive,” Fitzwater told WOIO. “I’m only 31. I’ve got a lot of life left to live. I have a four-year-old at home, so I have to be there for her.”

Fitzwater was in the area working for a client on Thursday following severe storms. When she tried to leave, she was unable to drive because the rain caused major flooding.

“It seemed like both exits from that area were blocked, so I couldn’t get out,” she said.

Fitzwater took a police officer’s advice, packed her things and walked to the nearest intersection to get a ride from her mother. She says the road was filled with water, but it wasn’t until she reached the intersection of Regatta Trail that things got scary.

“As soon as I left that patch of grass, I was underwater,” Fitzwater said. “It was like life was flashing before my eyes. I reached for the edge of the concrete and grabbed hold of it. Then I sat there, waving my arm up and saying, ‘Please help me.'”

Marino and his friend were nearby and rushed to the scene. The 18-year-old got into the water, started swimming and rescued Fitzwater before she could be sucked into a drainpipe.

“Honestly, I’m shocked I didn’t get stuck on one of the rocks,” Marino said. “There are so many ways this situation could have gone wrong.”

In just two days, Marino will head off to college to study finance and play football. He says his heroic act is an example of everything he learned growing up.

“We are here for a good time, not for long, but still we want to make the most of this time as long as possible,” he said.

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