Mayor Meets With Heroes Who Rescued 3 After Tesla Plunged Into Pool

Mayor Victor Gordo met with the Good Samaritans and leadership staff of a school next to the Pasadena residence where a car slammed through a wall and ended up in a swimming pool on Tuesday.

The Tesla’s three occupants — including a 4-year-old child — were rescued by staff members of nearby Pacific Oaks Children’s School.  No one was hurt.

Paramedics and police were sent to the 700 block of West California Boulevard near the school about 9 a.m.

According to Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian, the driver of the Tesla hit the accelerator instead of the brake and sent the car careening  through a wall and into a pool.

A teacher and a maintenance worker from Pacific Oaks jumped into the pool and saved the two adults and child.

“I am amazed with the humility they showed,” Gordo said. “They said they were just doing what anyone else would do.”

Gordo said the family members in the car are still stunned, but feeling well. 

“I met with school leadership, teacher and the maintenance worker and said hello to the kids and delivered some treats,” Gordo told Pasadena Now. “This is consistent with the culture of Pacific Schools and our city working together and helping one another.” 

Gordo said the swift action by the two prevented what could have been a very different event. 

“This is a reminder that in our community people are willing to jump in when others are in need,” Gordo said. “It’s what makes our community so special and this morning I visited the school and thanked them for having taken such quick and heroic action.”