An Uber driver taking a passenger to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge knew something wasn't right.

The driver, Chad Farley, said he picked up the passenger Monday night in St. Petersburg and was concerned about the destination.

  • Uber driver said he was concerned about passenger's plans
  • Male passenger said he wanted to go to top of Skyway Bridge
  • Farley says he prayed with man, tried to give him hope
  • Man later submerged self in water, is in critical condition

"I zoomed ahead on my app to find out where this guy was going, and it just showed the very top of the Skyway Bridge," Farley said.

Conversation between the strangers during the 31-minute, 45-second ride revolved around faith, future and health.

"He said that he was battling cancer," Farley said.

A man of strong faith, Farley felt moved to give the man messages of hope.

"The Lord's like, 'Chad, you know, witness to this guy,' and that was my next step."

Farley also asked more about the bridge destination.

"He said that his doctor told him to take a cab ride or Uber to the top of the Skyway Bridge, pull over, use the phone to call FHP or an ambulance and they'll come and take him to the doctor. That was obviously a very odd request," Farley said.

He pulled over near a rest area, and the men prayed.

"He gave me his hand, and it was shaking like you wouldn't believe, and that made me even more nervous," Farley said.

Farley snapped a picture of the two, knowing he would call for help. The passenger got out of the car, saying he was going to sit on a bench.

"I saw him walk down, and he was waving to me," Farley said. "I took off, and as soon as I made the U-turn, I called 911."

He told 911 dispatchers that someone needed to check on the 28-year-old man because he wanted to jump off the bridge.

The Florida Highway Patrol responded and said the man didn't jump but submerged himself in water off southbound Interstate 275 near the entrance to the north fishing pier. The passenger didn't respond to pleas from troopers to come out, and two troopers went into the water. They eventually found him unconscious, and he is now in critical condition.

Farley said he thinks he was put in the path of the stranger for a reason.

"I give the glory to God. It's just all him, putting me in the right spot," he said.