Video shows horse rescued by air after B.C. flooding; family thanks Good Samaritans
Watching her home near Spences Bridge being swallowed by the Nicola River, Kim Cardinal hugged her husband Lorn tight, and told him she didn’t think they were going to survive.
“He looked at me and said, ‘At least we’ll be together,’” Cardinal told CTV News, choking back tears.
There was no way to call for help, because the telephone lines were down and there was no cell service. All surrounding roads were washed out, so there was no escape.
“Nobody comes and nobody looks, and we don’t have cellphone service,” she narrated emotionally while shooting video of the raging water. “You’d think there would be helicopters or something.”
Cardinal could also be heard admitting that she may have to set her beloved horse, Winter, and two miniatures horses free to fend for themselves.
“I know they won’t come and get them out of here. I love you Winter,” she said while petting the horse.
About 15 kilometres away, off-duty Surrey RCMP Const. Brett Schmidt, who was on his way home from Kelowna, abandoned his vehicle when he felt the road crumbling apart.
“I was probably a few seconds away from the back end of my truck going downwards, and I imagine I probably would’ve been in the river for sure,” said Schmidt.
He set out on foot looking for help. He walked several kilometres and at one point fell into a river, before eventually seeing Kim Cardinal.
The couple gave him food and water and a place to sleep in their truck.
Schmidt in turn, tried to calm their fears, and helped move the horses throughout the night as the water kept creeping closer.
The following morning they built a fire, hoping someone would see the smoke. It worked.
Choppers began arriving, dropping off food and hay for the horses. Then one by one, volunteers began airlifting the horses to safety. Volunteers were also able to help save their dogs and puppies.
Cardinal called Schmidt her guardian angel.
“I think it was probably more the other way around. They definitely helped me out. They supplied me with food and water and a place to stay,” insisted Schmidt.
Loved ones have started a GoFundMe page for the couple, who lost their home and whose insurance won’t cover the damage.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.