Teen Reunites With Stranger Who Saved Him From Drowning

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The mystery cyclist and the teenager he saved from drowning finally met Friday.

Steve Kaufman, a former lifeguard, was finishing a 25-mile bike ride last Thursday when he decided to ride around Lake Phalen in St. Paul one more time. That's when he heard someone yelling for help.

He saw 15-year-old Lewis Donley bobbing in the water, so he ran to the water and swam in about 20 feet to help.

"I could tell right away he was in trouble. He was bobbing up, he'd take a breath, he'd be under for a while," Steve said. "I guess I'd help anybody out if they were asking for help."

Lewis had jumped in Lake Phalen after his lucky lure snapped off the line, only to get tangled in the high weeds. A friend couldn't get through them to help.

Steve's family saw the story on WCCO Thursday night of Lewis searching for the cyclist to say thank you. We're glad we were able to help them meet.

Lewis' mom says they will forever be grateful to Steve.