9/2/2011 11:30:00 PMTwo Rhodes students save a woman's life

September 2, 2011, 11:21 PM 
   
By Suzanne Stratford, Fox 8 News Reporter

CLEVELAND, Ohio— Two high school students sprung into action to save a woman's life when no adults would stop to help.

Dontaz Baily, 14, was walking to school along the Fulton Bridge on Cleveland's west side Friday morning, when he saw a distraught 30-year-old woman trying to jump.

"She said she wanted to die," said Dontaz Bailey.

Immediately, Dontaz knew he had to help. He dropped his book bag and grabbed the woman's ankles .

He says no one stopped to help until 15-year-old Juan Goins walked up.

"He's like, 'dude help me, please. There's this lady and she's trying to jump off the bridge,' " said Juan Goins.

The boys, both students at James F. Rhodes High School on Biddulph Ave. in Cleveland, had never met before, but immediately began working together to save the woman.

Finally, a medical professional stopped to help and the boys took off for school.

The principal has a strict policy on tardiness.

"I said, 'yeah, you don't want to be late, but I think today would've been okay,' " said Principal Diane Rollins.

Rollins says she always knew her students were great, but these two teens showed exceptional courage and compassion.

"To get involved and help an individual...to know what a life is all about and say I'm not gonna let you take your life, I'm gonna support you," said Rollins.

The boys parents were also overwhelmed and beaming with pride when they heard about bout their young heroes.

"I feel super good. I'm ecstatic," said Faye Bailey, Dontaz's mother.

"I feel blessed and grateful...I'm speechless," said Betzaida Robles.

The boys were pleased with their actions, but most importantly, worried about the woman they saved.

They both hope she recovers and realizes that the gift of life is special.

And by the end of the school day, the two teens -- who never even knew each other-- were now bonded best friends for life.

"I think our friendship will be unbreakable," said Dontaz,

"Yeah, for sure," added Juan.

The boys are expected to awarded at some time by both the school district and the Cleveland Police Department for their heroism.