Melton Truck Lines Driver Named Highway Angel After Helping at Ohio Crash

Melton Truck Lines driver Brian Koppenhaver was named a TCA Highway Angel after helping a critically injured man following an I-70 crash in Ohio.

Melton Truck Lines driver Brian Koppenhaver has been recognized as a TCA Highway Angel for helping a critically injured man after a crash on Interstate 70 near West Jefferson, Ohio.

Koppenhaver saw the semi-truck and box truck collide around 2:30 a.m. on July 30. He pulled onto the shoulder, ran back to the wreck, and found the box truck badly crushed with two people inside.

Koppenhaver Climbed into the Box Truck

One of the occupants, a passenger named Mario, was trapped in the wreckage. When Koppenhaver reached him, he was unresponsive and not breathing.

Koppenhaver found an opening and climbed inside. He was concerned that Mario could have head or spinal injuries, so he tried to keep his neck still while checking for a response.

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

Once Mario began responding, Koppenhaver called 911 and described his condition. Mario had serious injuries to his left arm, and both legs were pinned beneath the wreckage.

He Stayed with Mario Until Help Arrived

Koppenhaver stayed inside with Mario while emergency crews made their way to the scene. When medical personnel arrived, he asked for a cervical collar to help protect Mario’s neck before firefighters began the process of freeing him.

Crews used the jaws of life to cut through the box truck. Mario was eventually removed and taken for emergency treatment.

Koppenhaver later said Mario remained in intensive care after the crash and had lost both legs.

TCA Recognizes Koppenhaver’s Actions

Koppenhaver is a U.S. military veteran and a retired U.S. Postal Service employee. TCA recognized him for stopping immediately, helping Mario through the first critical minutes after the collision, and staying with him until first responders could take over.

The Highway Angel program has recognized professional truck drivers for helping others on the road since 1997. Nearly 1,500 drivers have received the honor during that time.