Rescuer of 3 children from sinking van gets college scholarship

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — One of the men who helped save three children after their mother drove their van into the surf in Daytona Beach last month has been honored.

Stacy Robinson gave Channel 9 an account of what happened shortly after the March 4 rescue.

On Tuesday, Robinson was rewarded for his bravery, but before his award, the college sophomore watched the video from that day and recalled the chaos that unfolded within seconds.

"I get chills every time I watch it," he said. "It's unexplainable and at times I can't believe it's me in the video."

The Foundation for Seminole State College felt Robinson was beyond a role model and awarded him a $1,000 scholarship.

Video shows 32-year-old Ebony Wilkerson drive the van into the surf, and then get out as it filled with water with her children inside.

Robinson and lifeguards rushed to save the children, who told authorities their mother locked the doors and rolled up the windows before driving into the water.

"All she repeated was she was OK," said Robinson. "'We're OK. We're OK. We're OK.'"

Wilkerson is currently jailed on attempted murder charges.

Investigators later learned Wilkerson's sister called 911 that day to tell police her sister was not well.

"She's talking about Jesus and that there's demons in my house," Wilkerson's sister, Jessica Harrell, told dispatchers.

Robinson said he's just glad he was at the beach that day and was able to help save the kids.

"If you can be that one to help change a life in a moment like that, do what you can," said Robinson. "Do what you can and be that one."

WFTV