Pair of anglers rescue woman who jumped off Gandy Bridge

ST. PETERSBURG — A woman who jumped off the Gandy Bridge on Thursday was rescued by two men fishing nearby, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

The men, who were not acquainted with each other, told deputies they were standing on the rocks on the south side of the bridge when they saw 23-year-old Sophie Dao jump about noon.

According to deputies, Nedzed Crnalic, 47, of St. Petersburg saw the woman walk about 100 feet onto the bridge. She then climbed over the railing and jumped.

While Crnalic was preparing to help, 36-year-old Shan Bran­han of Tampa jumped in the water and swam to Dao, who was struggling and screaming for help, deputies said. Both men assisted in Dao's rescue.

Paramedics and deputy sheriffs arrived shortly after. Deputies report that Dao, who is from Largo, was treated at the scene and taken to St. Anthony's Hospital for observation.