Update: Man Reunites with Woman He Saved After Risking His Life to Stop Unconscious Driver
Ryan Myrick, who risked his own safety and sacrificed his truck to save an unconscious driver, was reunited with the woman he saved, Ashleigh Dierking, on Thursday evening. The two met face-to-face for the first time since the dramatic incident, which took place on September 6.
Dierking explained that watching the story unfold almost a week later helped her piece together the events of that day. She knew she had to meet the man who saved her life.
In the heart-stopping moment, Myrick quickly reacted when he saw Dierking slumped behind the wheel. He pulled his truck in harm’s way to stop her vehicle and prevent a potential tragedy. “It was instinct,” Myrick said. “I had to react.”
When the two finally reunited, emotions ran high. “I’m so glad you’re doing OK,” Myrick told Dierking as they embraced. Dierking, filled with gratitude, responded, “I’m very happy to be here. It’s so nice to know what happened and to say thank you. It restores my faith in people, knowing there are good people out there.”
Dierking, 23, shared that the incident was her first medical emergency, likely caused by a seizure. While she now faces a diagnosis of minor brain damage, she is grateful to have learned how to better care for her health. “Now I know what it was and how to take care of myself,” she said.
Despite some bruises and scratches, Dierking’s most significant injury was to her tongue, which she bit during the seizure. “I bit down pretty hard and ripped off most of the side of my tongue,” she recalled.
Myrick stayed at the scene until he knew she was safe. Dierking expressed her immense gratitude for his quick thinking. “You chose to do what you did, and because of that, I’m here,” she told him.
“I’m just glad it worked out and that you’re here,” Myrick replied.
Dierking said she hopes her story inspires others to look out for one another and emphasizes the importance of monitoring personal health to avoid life-threatening situations.
Both Myrick and Dierking have started GoFundMe campaigns to aid in their recovery—Dierking for medical expenses and Myrick to help repair his truck after the heroic act.
