Virgil Hunter, a truck driver from Tyrone, PA, has been honored as a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). Hunter, who works for Ward Transport in Altoona, PA, came to the rescue of a fellow trucker who was having a heart attack.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, when Dan Brennan, a driver for Ward Trucking, suddenly felt unwell. Brennan had experienced arm pain earlier in the day but dismissed it as a pulled muscle; however, as he continued driving, his arm went numb and he began experiencing chest pains. He quickly pulled over in a grocery store parking lot but was met with the challenge of having no cell phone reception to call for help.
Fortunately, Virgil Hunter, also a driver for Ward Trucking, noticed Brennan’s truck pulled over and stopped to check on the driver.
“He was sitting on the side of the road,” Hunter said. “I saw his left arm out the window waving me over, so I pulled in front of him and walked back. He asked me where my phone was — I said it was in the truck. He said, “I need you to call 911; I think I’m having a heart attack.”
Hunter wasted no time and called 911 immediately. He stayed by Brennan’s side until the ambulance arrived and even took the initiative to inform Brennan’s family and the terminal location about the situation. Throughout the entire ordeal, Hunter kept Brennan’s wife informed and provided reassurance.
Hunter’s timely intervention and knowledge of heart attack symptoms undoubtedly saved Brennan’s life. Reflecting on the incident, Hunter believes that it was divine intervention that led him to be there at the right time.
His quick actions and compassion quite possibly saved a life that day and serve as an inspiration to drivers everywhere, though Hunter remains humble about the whole ordeal.
“He was calm — he knew all the symptoms,” Hunter said. “I just showed up at the right time — the good Lord put me in his presence.”
Source: Highway Angel
