Here at TruckersReport we like to recognize and pay tribute to truckers who go out of their way to help others. Often that means a driver who helps rescue someone from a dangerous situation. But sometimes, the only thing to be done is provide some comfort to those who found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Dylan Goodman is a trucker out of Conneaut, Ohio. The veteran driver had just started his trip back home from Texas. Headed North on I-35, he was crossing a bridge when he saw a disabled car in a southbound lane.
“She was in the middle of the lane with her hazards on,” Goodman told TCA. “I was yelling on the radio to warn southbound (truck drivers) traffic about what was ahead of them, but nobody runs with CBs anymore.”
Despite his warnings, a truck slammed into the disabled car from behind. The car was pushed off the road, down an embankment, and into some trees. The truck that had hit it didn’t manage to come to a full stop for another 500 yards.
“He hit her so hard,” Goodman said. “I don’t know why he didn’t see her. It was a straight stretch of road.”
A former EMT, Goodman ran to the aid of the driver. When he got there, he found a woman inside a “mangled mess” of a car. Despite a caved-in roof and crumpled door, Goodman was able to get inside the vehicle by prying the roof back.
The woman was still conscious, but she was in very bad shape. Her pulse was weak, he breathing was labored, and her body was so tangled up in the car that Goodman couldn’t move her.
“I tried to comfort her to let her know someone was there with her . . . she was fading fast,” recalled Goodman. “I wish I could have done more.”
“Doing this job you see a lot of stuff. Nothing can really prepare you for being put in that situation. You want to be able to show a little compassion. If it means losing an hour of drive time, well, tomorrow is a new day.”
“Right now, I’m on my way back to Texas,” Goodman told TCA earlier this month. “I made a cross for her. I noticed when I went through last week there was nothing there for her. I’ll put it on the side of the road for her.”
Source: erienewsnow, yourerie, tca
Dylan
You’re a damn good dude
Not just for the act
But the follow up in memorial
May she rest
Compassion for another human being seems to be a rare commodity these days. Thanks Dylan for stepping up and being a great example for the rest of us.
I would like to see a follow-up on this about what happened with the person who hit her. I have my hunches that distracted driving may be at fault, but either way, it didn’t need to happen. I’m glad someone in this world today has the heart to go back and check on the safety of the victim, even if it meant the last moments of their life.
I personally fear the day that I’m involved or witnessed to a death on the road. I wouldn’t be able to handle it, I probably would have to hang my hat up right there.
Why? If you worked in an office and somebody across the room had a heart attack and died at his desk, would you quit?
The idiot was probably texting.
More likely watching a movie
I see why so many states require hands free devices, especially truckers. This should have been avoided but big up to the driver who was with this lady until she died. That would haunt me though.
These people who cause stuff like this are almost never punished like they should be for doing stuff like that.
Bravo, Dylan.
Just… bravo.
An upstanding man you are! God Bless you for being there for her. I’m sure her family thanks you. And I thank you!
God Bless you Dylan, you’re an awesome Man. I’m a retired Fire Fighter / Tractor Trailer Driver, and I realize how terrible pulling up on the scene of a horrific accident. You did your best,. May the Women rest in eternal Peace and may the Lord Grant you comfort in your life, Amen.
Yes, this happened to me on the imfamous 285 down in the oilfields of Texas where a young field worker died while I held him waiting for EMT. I too am happu I happened to be stopped at the corner where it occurred. Its tough having someone pass in such a tragic way. I can relate friends.
No one should die alone.
As for the comments regarding the alleged activities of the other driver – How do you know he didn’t have a heart attack at that moment and didn’t even live long enough to feel the impact? Making accusations like that help no one. I know, the truck got stopped 500 feet up the road. Tell us how and by whom. The story doesn’t tell us.
If he had a heart attack he would need an EMT. I used to be an EMT 4. Many a accident. Heart attack victim can’t steer straight. He had time to avoid. Guess his highway camera if he had one was on the victim he hit. And before he hit. Did he keep going? I’ll read it again.
A rush of determination to rip that car apart to try to save her life. An EMT as well. The driver that hit her saw her. Way ahead I’m sure. Do you suppose the driver that hit her pulled over to aid? A monument even beside the roadside is a true gesture of kind , caring and loving humanity. God bless her , her family and our Hero Truck Driver.
There is a bunch of Idiots making accusations about the Driver that hit her Y’all weren’t there to see what happened Hope she RIP Thanks to the Driver that was there