On Aug. 3 a pickup crossed the median on Interstate 77, lost a tire and plunged into Nimishillen Creek. Passing firefighters Sarah Valentine, Ashley Curtner and Canton firefighter Kyle Gallagher scaled a fence, entered deep water and extricated the 28-year-old through the passenger door. Six minutes elapsed from initial 911 calls to the extraction; the man was unconscious with no pulse but was resuscitated at a Canton hospital and later transferred to Columbus, where he remains in critical condition.
28-Year-Old Pulled From Upside-Down Truck After Plunging Off Ohio Highway — Quick-Thinking Firefighters Called ‘Extraordinary’
The truck was submerged in Nimishillen Creek; Firefighter Kyle Gallagher carried the man to safety.Credit: Canton City Fire Department
A 28-year-old man was dramatically rescued after his pickup truck crossed a highway median, plunged off Interstate 77 and landed upside down in Nimishillen Creek on Aug. 3. The extraction — carried out by firefighters who happened to be passing the scene — is being hailed by officials and the community.
Fast Response By Passing Firefighters
Video of the crash shows the pickup entering opposing lanes, losing a tire and careening over the highway edge into the creek. The impact sent water splashing over the bridge guardrails and drew the attention of motorists and bystanders.
A pickup truck crashed off Interstate 77 into a creek in Canton, Ohio.Credit: Canton City Fire Department
Motorists flagged down members of the Bolivar Fire Department who were driving by. Bolivar firefighters Sarah Valentine and Ashley Curtner joined Canton firefighter Kyle Gallagher at the scene. The three scaled a 6-foot fence, waded into deep, cold water and reached the overturned pickup, which was resting on its roof.
"What that crew did and the teamwork — it was extraordinary," Canton Fire Chief Steve Henderson told NBC affiliate WKYC.
Gallagher described the scene to local media: "Before we knew it, we were pretty much up to our necks, just kind of waiting. The vehicle was upside down. It was on its roof." Working together, the firefighters pried open the passenger-side door and extricated the driver after a strenuous effort.
Canton firefighter Kyle Gallagher carried the victim to safety.Credit: Canton City Fire Department
Rescue Timeline and Outcome
Authorities say six minutes elapsed from the time 911 calls began until the victim was removed from the vehicle. When pulled free, the 28-year-old was unconscious and had no detectable pulse. He was transported to a Canton hospital, where medical staff resuscitated him; he was later moved to a hospital in Columbus and remains in critical condition.
The Canton City Fire Department posted a photo of Gallagher carrying the victim over his shoulder to safety. Local officials issued public praise for the three first responders, calling their actions swift and life-saving.
The crash remains under local investigation. Family members, first responders and community leaders continue to follow the man’s recovery as officials review the circumstances that led the pickup to cross the median and leave the roadway.
Help us improve.
