'That young man is my hero' Father of I-75 pileup victims thanks Trooper
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(Credit: WJBK|myFOXDetroit.com) Michigan State Trooper Seth Swanson talks about I-75 pileup
By Amy Lange
OAK PARK, Mich. (WJBK)
A special thank you going out for one of the heroes of last week's deadly pileup on I-75. The Windsor father who lost two of his children in the accident says he is forever indebted to a Michigan state trooper because that first responder helped save one of his daughters.
Trooper Seth Swanson was first on scene at the deadly pile up on I-75 at Springwells. In that car he discovered two children he couldn't save, but a third had a chance.
"She wasn't breathing, she was unconscious but she had a very faint pulse" Swanson said. He cleared her airway started rescue breaths. A first, a second and then a third. Finally she took a deep breath and she was awake, he said.
Awake and hurt, her seven-year-old brother, Aidan Hicks, and nine-year-old sister, Gabrielle Greenwood, beside her in the car, both gone. But 10-year-old Hannah had made it. Their parents were also hospitalized and on Tuesday, Trooper Seth Swanson paid them all a visit, meeting Hannah again.
"From what I understand she's her old self, which is great. She didn't recognize me which is okay. But she's okay," Swanson said.
And her family will never forget him. Glen Greenwood hadn't realized Trooper Swanson saved his daughter's life. "He shook my hand and he actually he gave me a hug so he was very, very happy" Swanson said.
And so grateful he posted a message to Facebook after he and Hannah were released from the hospital. It read, "I would like for all to know Officer Seth Swanson of the Michigan State Police. That young man is my hero and saved my little girl's life. I am in eternal debt to that officer. Thank you!"
Swanson said on Wednesday, "it's nice to hear - I'm just glad we're able to help out."
Trooper Swanson has been with the Michigan State Police for four years. He says he's never seen a crash this bad and it's the first time he's had to use his CPR training on a child in a situation like this.
He's quick to thank all of the other first responders who made a such difference on that terrible day. Like Glen Greenwood said, they're all heroes.
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(Credit: WJBK|myFOXDetroit.com) Michigan State Trooper Seth Swanson talks about I-75 pileup
