PLAINS, Ga. — A Sumter County man is being called a hero after pulling two young people from burning vehicles following a head-on crash.

John Murphy rescued a 2-year-old from one vehicle and a 17-year-old from another that caught fire after the collision, according to Sumter County Fire.

Murphy said he had a full day of errands planned but ended up putting them off. As he drove up on the wreck, he knew he couldn’t wait.

“God would guide me to go that direction. I’m just glad I was able to be there and to save them,” Murphy said.

Recognition for quick action

The Sumter County Firefighter Association presented Murphy with a plaque Monday, April 27, recognizing his bravery and crediting his quick thinking.

Stevie Lowery, a firefighter with the Sumter County Firefighter Association, who was one of the first responders on scene, said without Murphy’s help, he does not believe the two victims would have survived.

“By the time I got there, the vehicle that he assisted both patients out of was what we call fully involved. It was no life sustainability whatsoever,” Lowery said. “There are definitely good people out there. They’re getting farther and fewer between, but it just takes one to show the world again that there are still good people that care about others other than themselves.”

Murphy said the 17-year-old high school senior that he pulled from the car is still in the hospital recovering. He said he prays she gets the rest that she deserves, and that he hopes he could watch her get across the graduation stage next month.

The teen and her family reached out after Monday’s ceremony. She underwent hip surgery Monday, and her next procedure is scheduled for Wednesday. She shared a statement:

“I know God and my Guardian Angels was with me and I’m blessed to be alive. We owe God All the Praises.”

Tyson’s family has started a GoFundMe to help cover her medical expenses.

We are working to learn more details about the crash. Stay with us.

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