Bucs backup QB Blaine Gabbert assists in water rescue that saved four people after helicopter crash
Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert assisted in the rescue of four people who were in a helicopter that crashed near Tampa, Florida.
Tampa police say that the four individuals were completing a helicopter tour Thursday afternoon when the chopper had to make an emergency landing about 200 yards from Davis Islands.
All four people left the scene with no injuries.
“No one was found to be injured and all four occupants of the helicopter safely reached shore. TPD is currently coordinating with local and federal agencies regarding the investigation and eventual recovery of the helicopter,” authorities said.
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Gabbert was jet skiing when he and two other men jumped into action and assisted in the rescue.
One of the passengers, 28-year-old Hunter Rapp, who was visiting the area from Philadelphia, said he was trapped underwater for nearly a minute.
“I am pretty astonished that I am standing here to talk to you,” Hupp said, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Rapp’s parents and a pilot were the other people in the helicopter.
Gabbert, a former first round pick, has played in the NFL for 12 seasons and has been the Buccaneers backup for the past three years after stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans.