Driver named TCA Highway Angel for heroic actions during severe Ohio crash

A truck driver has been named a Truckload Carriers Association Highway Angel for his extraordinary help during a severe crash in Ohio this summer. 

Melton Truck Lines driver Brian Koppenhaver was traveling along I-70 in Ohio at about 2:30 a.m. when he witnessed a serious crash between a semi truck and a box truck. Koppenhaver immediately pulled over onto the right shoulder and stopped to help however he could. 

“I watched the impact happen, so it’s not like I drove up on it,” Koppenhaver said. “I just put the turn signal on and got over on the right shoulder and ran back to offer assistance.”

Koppenhaver ran over to the seriously damaged box truck to find two people critically injured inside. One of the occupants was trapped inside of the wreckage with serious injuries, so Koppenhaver climbed inside of the mangled box truck to help. 

“When I got in there, Mario, his head was where the dash was supposed to be, and his feet were back towards where the cab of the truck was,” Koppenhaver said. “He wasn’t breathing. He’s not responsive.”

Koppenhaver says he cut open Mario’s shirt and tried to get some sort of response from him while keeping his neck as still as possible to prevent further injury. Mario’s legs were also trapped in the mess. 

“I did a sternum rub and stuff like that. Got him somewhat conscious,” Koppenhaver said.

The driver then called 911 and relayed what he was seeing. When emergency medical personnel arrived, Kopenhaver helped however he could. Mario was eventually freed from the wreckage and taken to intensive care, where he was treated for serious injuries, including the loss of both legs. 

“A U.S. military veteran and retired U.S. Postal Service employee, Koppenhaver brought experience, composure and a determination to help to a chaotic and dangerous crash scene. His actions exemplify the courage, compassion and quick thinking that define the TCA Highway Angel program,” read the TCA Highway Angels press release.