Buccaneers QB Blaine Gabbert puts in hero shift, helps rescue family from emergency helicopter landing near Davis Islands
Blaine Gabbert, the backup quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was among the observers who helped rescue a family near the Davis Islands. The family had to make an emergency helicopter landing. Hunter Hupp, along with his parents and the pilot, were finishing a helicopter tour when they had to make an emergency landing. It landed around 200 yards from the Davis Islands. All four people suffered no injuries.
The helicopter was supposed to land at a nearby airport when 28-year-old Hunter Hupp said he heard a popping sound in the rotor above his head. According to Tampa Police Department Lieutenant Daniel College, the helicopter's engine failed. Hupp noted that the helicopter didn't have a chance of making it to the airport.
In a news release, the police department commented on the status of the helicopter and its investigation.
The news release said:
“It is currently coordinating with local and federal agencies regarding the investigation and eventual recovery of the helicopter.”
As the helicopter hit the water and started to submerge, Hupp said he was stuck under seatbelts and cords. He said he had a hard time getting out as his parents and the pilot got out. They were way atop the water, but Hupp commented that he started to lose hope, but thought of his parents drifting above him.
Hupp stated that he anticipated what his family would endure if he drowned, making one more attempt to exit the helicopter. He eventually got free. Hupp guesses that he was underwater somewhere between 45 seconds and a minute. Gabbert happened to be there to assist Hupp, saving his life.
What Blaine Gabbert was doing at the time of the incident
Blaine Gabbert was on a personal watercraft at the time, riding over to the scene to be of assistance. The quarterback is in his third season with the Buccaneers and hasn't played a down this season for the team. He's played in ten games during his tenure, throwing for 210 yards and two touchdowns.
We’ll get more details today, but Bucs quarterback Blaine Gabbert was one of the first to respond on his jet ski Thursday evening when a helicopter went into the water off Davis Islands. All four aboard survived, with Gabbert’s help. twitter.com/tampapd/status…
While he may not play a game this season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Blaine Gabbert will be known for his heroic efforts off it.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit the Tampa Bay Times and H/T Sportskeeda.