Witness describes moments man drove truck into pond

HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — Troopers have released the identity of the Hampstead man who died when investigators say he drove his truck into a pond in Pender County last night. 

Highway Patrol says Michael McKinley, 61, died at the scene after his truck ran into a pond on Sloop Point Road. Troopers say McKinley made a sudden stop before he accelerated off into the pond, according to witnesses who saw the accident happen. Daniel Bismark and his girlfriend were walking down the road when they noticed a truck stop in the middle of the road.

"We thought maybe he was just waiting for one of the dogs that was with us to get out of the way," Bismark said.

Then the truck accelerated.

"He went from a dead stop, went through the people's yard behind the mailbox and directly into the water," Bismark said.

Bismark's girlfriend called 911. Then they saw another man run down to the pond.

"That's when I said well let's get in the water," Bismark said. "Let's try to get this guy out of here."

Bismark says without hesitation they jumped in the cold, murky water.

"I busted the back glass out, tried hollering, did everything I could to try to get to the guy and there was no response and before I knew it the water was already filling the cab," Bismark said.

Pender County Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Cullifer told the StarNews Wednesday that when he arrived the truck was fully submerged.

Cullifer said a Pender EMS and Fire crew member were headed into the water and Cullifer volunteered to join him to pull McKinley from the truck. 

With air temperatures in the 50s, the two rescuers had to tread water in the pond while trying to get into the submerged truck.

Cullifer said he broke out the driver's side window with a baton and cleared the glass away as best he could.

"I got the seatbelt away from McKinley and the other guy helped pull him out," Cullifer said.

He said EMS personnel immediately began CPR on McKinley after pulling him to the side of the pond.

Emergency officials attempted CPR, but troopers say McKinley died at the scene.

"I feel bad because I couldn't get him out of there, but I don't blame myself," Bismark said. "I know I did what I could."

Bismark says he didn't know McKinley or why his truck ended up in that pond.

"We were told by a sheriff's deputy and EMT that if we hadn't been down there that there is a chance that nobody would have known that vehicle was even underwater there for over a month," Bismark said.

But he wants McKinley's family to know why he jumped in the water.

"I know they are going through a hard time right now and i'm just hoping things get better for them and that they can get some peace of mind knowing that somebody was there to try to help him," Bismark said.

Trooper Richard Hendrickson says they are waiting for autopsy results, but he says the crash was probably caused by a medical episode.