The "Frenchman" was an angel. That child was not meant to die just now.

This is a beautiful example of the many virtues human beings are capable of and it's refreshing, for a change, to read something positive about us humans.

Kudos to that humble 'mystery man' who didn't stick arround for accolades. I hope he is well aware of his heroism, but I also hope his identity remains a 'mystery' as I believe this incident will hold greater significance for others, when some things cannot be readily explained. 'Karma' will reward him much more appropriately than we ever could.

What a fantastic event!

Personally, I'd like for the guy to remain anonymous. It adds that much more to the story.

What a happy ending to what could have been a tragedy. The French tourist was a hero along with others that helped out. We always hear about how rude people are in New York, this just proves that there are great people there and I commend each and every one of the people that helped.

To all involved in the rescue, however large or however small your part was: thank you.

I can only hope we're all (not just me and my family, but everyone on this planet) surrounded by people like you if/when disaster strikes.

JustForStarters,

I too hope that the frenchman remains anonymous. It defines unselfishness since he does not seek seek recognition (the 'Yea, Me!' factor).

True heroes do not need the press to know that they were heroic.

Ref: Comment 1.1

I am saying that the "Frenchman" was, literally, an Angel, who manifested into someone who could help this little girl when she was in need, and then disappeared. Happens all the time. It happened to me. And, I am very grateful.

Illegal alien?

Merci monsieur pour votre aide. Les merci entiers de pays pour épargner le bébé. Dieu vous bénit et votre famille.

To the people who don't believe in angels - what do you have to say to the TRUCKER who was just helped from his BURNING INFERNO TRUCK to JUMP OFF A BRIDGE?

He survived and said he had someone looking over me. His boss said it was an angel. I think it's an angel too.

It's pretty cool that people don't just think of themselves and want to help others too. :)

I disagree. A French tourist did the right thing, saved a little girl, and then (for whatever his reasons were) disappeared into the crowd. This was a selfless and heroic act performed by a person. To claim that this was an angel instead of a person takes that man's courage and selflessness and bestows it upon some invisible force instead. We need more people to behave heroically. We need more people to look up to. I want to believe in my fellow man, and this man gave me one more reason to. I wouldn't want to take that away from him.

Cmon, shut your piehole....always has to be an idiot in the group. It was an Angel whether he was mortal or immortal, he was where God wanted him to be at the time he needed to be there.

Did anyone notice if Tommy Lee Jones, US Marshal, was nearby? Maybe this so-called Frenchman was a wrongfully jailed/newly escaped fugitive? It would explain his hasty disappearance. Yes, that must be it.

An angel? Angels take cabs? Come on. It was a decent act by a human. A supernatural being would have acted BEFORE she fell into the river, to stop that from happening in the first place.

Good point!

Perhaps he asked God that day to put him where God needed him most. And God answered his prayer.

Yes bonos, We know he was a Human ,But he was still an Angel sent from God.
This is joke now, Maybe it was Teddy Kennedy making up for Mary Jo.

bonos, why is it so hard for you to believe that he could have been an angel? Mabe God wanted to show Himself strong on other peoples behalf! You don't know what God is thinking, because the bible says that God's ways are not mans ways, unless mabe you think you have the mind of God? Don't be a doubting Thomas!

I believe the angel story. There used to be a tv show where this type of thing was documented all the time. How, no one was around but all of a sudden, there was a person helping them in a time of need.

This is one of those times.

Hmm, I never would have pictured angels being French. I agree with #4.1 What happens if they do end up finding this guy? Will he still be an angel?

LuvFraz - I agree with you , but being a Father and Grampa I ALSO know how quick one of those little dickenses can wiggle out of your arms and head for the tall timbers too. You DO have to be extra vigilant near a dangerous situation. True Heros are those who do something without being paid to.

A tourist attraction without guard rails to prevent falling into the river. Sounds like the this needs to be fixed.

THANK YOU! My thoughts exactly. Thank heaven it turned out well, but it should never have happened. I'm in shock that a 2 year old was allowed to be where this could have happened. Maybe this will make these parents take a second look at their parenting skills.

I give the father a pat on the back for not losing control in a time like that. He could have freaked out and jumped in without locating his daughter, killing her in the process. He did right in keeping his composure.

Bob...there is a guard rail. Should they have to build solid walls 10 feet high to make sure an acciedent does not happen? I don't think so.

Apparently, you read the headline then skimmed through and missed most of the article. Either you need to actually read it or you need to go back to school and brush up on your reading and comprehension skills.

actually, it would be foolish not to empty pockets. an encumbered swimmer is a danger both to himself and to whomever he is trying to save.

I am a lifelong ocean swimmer. I do not believe the emphasis here was on personal safety. I think it really was about concern over electronic devices, most of which weigh a few ounces. Shoes & jackets are more dangerous in water by far than a cell phone.

Absolutely, as I was reading this I kept thinking what is wrong with the child's father that he would take the time to empty his pockets before trying to save his daughter's life. I can't believe more people didn't pick up on this or comment on it, I say shame on the father for prioritizing a damn cell phone.

I agree, I would have had a tight hold on my child, but since we weren't there we don't know the exact circumstances.

I agree that the parents are idiots........or at least one of them is. No way should a toddler have an opportunity to break from parents to fall in a river.....or run in the street....or fall down stairs. They should be on their knees and giving thanks with humble contemplation that their child wasn't seriously hurt during her ordeal. But no.............they exploit the near tragedy by going on TV to "talk" about their experience. Something the French hero elected not to do. Who and where you are.....you are truly a brave and classy guy!

Awwww, Now THAT isn't fair.

it's people like you Bodine...

His "rescue training" involved being able to rescue people on a ski slope - I doubt he had any extraordinary training on rescuing someone in the water. Yes, he was the first one to jump in - but as the article stated, the currents in the East River are very bad. Without the help of the mystery man, he could have been dragged down by the weight of his child's body.

I agree, and I hope that if some frenchman shows up with a waterlogged cell phone, the phone company gives him a new one with no questions asked!

Right on!!!! I don't care what his nationality is - he's what we should all strive to be! His reward is simply being him....