A serious incident unfolded at Smuggler’s Notch Resort in Jeffersonville, Vermont, on Monday, July 13, when a Jeep crashed into the resort’s swimming pool, leading to a dramatic rescue involving a nine-year-old boy. The vehicle drove through a fence surrounding the pool area, and as it entered the water, it struck young Joseph “Joey” Sage, who was swimming among several other children.
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The Vermont State Police received a call about the single-car crash at approximately 3:30 p.m. Upon their arrival, they discovered the SUV lodged in the pool and reported that two individuals sustained injuries. However, due to the ages of those involved, the police did not disclose their identities.
According to eyewitness accounts, Joey was knocked underwater as the car submerged, causing him to suffer a concussion. Fortunately, a family member, Grendel Clark, recounted a fortunate twist of fate; at that moment, Joey had just started to swim underwater. Clark explained to PEOPLE that the timing was critical, as the car’s weight was significantly mitigated by the water’s surface, allowing Joey to escape what could have been a much more serious injury.
Joey’s father played an instrumental role in getting his son to safety, pulling him out of the water along with another child. Witnesses indicated that a woman also dove into the pool fully clothed to rescue her daughter. “The young lifeguards did everything perfectly,” Clark noted, commending their quick response in the situation.
After the incident, Joey was taken to a medical facility on Tuesday, July 14, after he began feeling unwell. It was there that he was diagnosed with a concussion. Remarkably, despite his injury, the young boy assured his family that he had no fear of returning to the water, showing a remarkable resilience.
Joey’s father, who narrowly avoided direct contact with the vehicle, was reportedly oblivious to the danger that had just unfolded above him. Clark mentioned that another person at the pool informed Joey’s father about how close he had come to being struck by the SUV.
Following the crash, reports surfaced indicating that police detained a female individual shortly after the incident, though it remained unclear whether she was the vehicle’s driver. The Jeep was later removed from the pool by a crane, leading to the temporary closure of the swimming facility.
Clark provided insight into the emotions of the driver, describing her as being visibly shaken and upset following the accident. After ensuring that Joey was unharmed, Clark approached the driver to reassure her, stating, “I just wanted her to know Joey was okay and not to worry.” The driver expressed immense gratitude for the comforting news, revealing her distress about the potential consequences of her actions.
“My family feels awful for her,” Clark reflected, highlighting the shared humanity in such a stressful incident. The community surrounding Smuggler’s Notch Resort is now left grappling with the implications of the crash as an investigation is currently underway.
As updates regarding the incident are awaited, both the resort and the Vermont State Police have been approached for further comments. The overwhelming response from the community serves as a testament to the rallying spirit shown in times of adversity.