A Florida woman has captured internet attention after a video showed her reporting a car crash while dressed in a banana costume.
Stephanie Oropeza and her fiancé were returning from a Halloween party around 4 a.m. on a Saturday when they witnessed a driver crash into The Moderne Bar in Orlando. The collision caused an estimated $50,000 in damages, according to ClickOrlando.
"At first we were just in shock," Oropeza said of observing the driver initially "driving on the opposite side of the road" before veering into the establishment.
Video footage of Oropeza calling the police for assistance while still in her costume quickly gained traction online, prompting questions about its authenticity. Michael Nguyen, owner of The Moderne, posted the clip and addressed skeptical viewers. "They were like, ‘Is this AI? Like, are you messing with us?’ And I was like, ‘No, no, this is really a rogue 4:30 a.m. banana just roaming the streets of Mills, just saving the day, reporting the incident,’" he recalled.
Oropeza said she realized her newfound internet fame the following morning when she saw headlines referring to her as the "banana hero."
The restaurant later located Oropeza and expressed their gratitude by offering her a complimentary meal.
"It feels nice," Oropeza stated. "And I hope this all just can spread a better message that if you see someone in need."
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident. However, the crash resulted in significant damage to the bar, with Nguyen estimating that the cost to repair the custom fence alone could reach $50,000. Six tables and numerous chairs were also damaged, he added.
The Orlando Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for further information.