Good Samaritan risks life to save man trapped in flash flood

GREEN RIVER — A dramatic rescue in Saleratus Wash was caught on camera and shared exclusively with KSL. Now, the heroes behind the life-saving effort are speaking out. In the video, adrenaline and urgency are palpable as rescuers shout commands: “Go, go, go, go, go!” “Get on your back! Turn over and float!” The footage shows a team of brave individuals working together to save 34-year-old Jose Sanchez, who was trapped by flash floodwaters along Interstate 70. Among the rescuers was Kent Nelson, a good Samaritan who risked his own life to reach Sanchez, a man he had never met. “The first thing I told him was, ‘We’re here to help you,’” Nelson recalled. Nelson warned Sanchez not to climb into the rescue raft, fearing the current could pull them all under. “Grab the rope!” one rescuer shouted — a lifeline that ultimately pulled Sanchez to safety. Sanchez, who had a South Dakota driver’s license, was in Utah for seasonal work. Despite being a stranger, Nelson said helping him was never a question. “It doesn’t matter if you’re trained or not — in that situation, you’re there to help,” Nelson said. Emery County Sheriff’s Deputy Tyson Huntington listened to the rescue unfold over his radio. “I was sweating just listening to what was going on,” Huntington said. “Anytime there’s swift water, you’re scared no matter what.” Both Nelson and Huntington emphasized the selflessness of the rescuers. “You can’t just let somebody stand out there… or be washed away… without trying,” Nelson said. “They reacted without much thought for themselves — just hopping in that cold water and bringing him back,” Huntington added. The rescue serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and compassion shown by everyday heroes.

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