Midtown Restaurateur Aids in East River Rescue

A Midtown business owner is being credited with helping to save a woman who had fallen into the East River on the morning of July 29. Agron Selimaj, who operates Club A Steakhouse, was at Randall’s Island for a family event when he heard calls for help near the water.

According to reports, Selimaj was near Field 82 around 10 a.m. when he discovered a woman clinging to the rocky shoreline. The woman, who appeared to be struggling to remain above the surface, was reportedly unable to explain how she had entered the water or how long she had been there.

Selimaj remained at the water's edge to provide physical support and comfort to the woman while his wife contacted emergency services. Although he was prepared to enter the water, the woman was reportedly too frightened to let go of the shoreline, prompting Selimaj to hold onto her while attempting to keep her calm until professional help arrived.

Additional bystanders eventually joined the scene to assist in monitoring the situation. Within approximately 30 minutes, personnel from the FDNY and the NYC Parks Department reached the location. An FDNY responder utilized a ladder to help bring the woman safely onto the land, where she was subsequently evaluated by emergency crews.

The woman’s identity and current medical status remain unconfirmed as of early August. Selimaj, reflecting on the event, expressed that he felt compelled to act in a moment of crisis, noting that he hoped others would have taken similar steps to assist someone in need.