Trucker named highway angel for saving fellow driver’s life
Hunter rescued co-worker having a heart attack
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ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The Truckload Carriers Association has named truck driver Virgil Hunter of Tyrone a Highway Angel for helping rescue a fellow trucker when he was having a heart attack.
Hunter drives for Ward Transport of Altoona.
On May 9, Ward Transport driver Dan Brennan was driving when he suddenly realized he wasn't feeling well. Brennan had noticed that his arm hurt earlier in the day but assumed he had pulled a muscle. It wasn't until later in the day that his arm suddenly went numb while driving. Brennan had pulled over in a grocery store parking lot and began having chest pains. He attempted to call a nearby driver when he realized he didn't have any cellphone reception.
Hunter noticed Brennan's truck pulled over and quickly stopped to check on him.
"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 immediately called 911 and stayed with Brennan until the ambulance took him to the hospital. He contacted Brennan's family to let them know of the situation and kept them up to date with everything that was happening.
Hunter also contacted the terminal location about the situation. Throughout the entire process, Hunter stayed in contact with Brennan's wife to keep her informed. Hunter's quick actions to stop and check on Brennan quite possibly saved his life.
"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."