Chris at Prime’s Headquarters in Springfield, MO
April 26, 2014 was like any other day for team drivers Chris and Boyd as they left the Salt Lake City terminal headed towards California. The interstate was unusually busy for 1:30 a.m. and sets the scene for a story of tragedy, heroism, and perseverance. A short 28 miles from the terminal the truck lost its coolant leaving the team on the side of the road. Road Assist attempted to tow the truck without avail, which left the need for a tow service to come out. “We had our cones and triangles set out with the flashers going on the truck,” Chris explained. As Boyd and Chris stood watching the tow truck driver under the tractor hooking up the cables, Chris heard a frantic voice yell “watch out” and then everything went black.
Boyd worked with Prime from 2004 to 2007 when he took a few years off to be closer to home with his wife and daughter. He returned again October 2011 when working three jobs were not making ends meet. Driving through Indianapolis in April 2012, Boyd swung through to visit his cousin Chris. Chris remembers Boyd helping him submit the application, “I sent it in, and he became my instructor and trainer.” Like many teams here at Prime, it was a family affair for Boyd and Chris. Chris started our PSD program March 2012 and teamed with Boyd up until April 2014.
The reason everything went black for Chris that morning is where the tragedy and heroic measures meet. Chris noted, “Boyd was very passionate about trucking and very safety conscious.” Being aware of your surroundings is such an important talent to possess. Heading down the interstate that same early April morning was a fatigued driver who rather than pull over to rest, kept driving. The driver drove until he fell asleep at the wheel, crossing the lanes of the interstate and heading right for Boyd and Chris. The voice that called out to Chris was his cousin Boyd who, without apprehension, ran towards Chris and pushed him out of harm’s way. The selfless act of Boyd inspired me to sit down and meet with Chris; their story needed to be told. My heart was heavy as I listened to Chris explain the events to me. “All I could remember is my cousin yelling watch out, then when I woke up, I couldn’t move.” I asked Chris if he knew what happened. “I was able to roll myself over, but I couldn’t move anything below my waist. As the paramedics arrived they kept repeating someone was deceased.” Chris was airlifted to a local hospital where he began treatment for a compound fracture, broken ankle, and fractured scapula. When he woke up on a gurney, being rolled down the hall, his fears were confirmed. Boyd had lost his life in effort to save Chris.
In the end, Boyd’s passion for safety and love for his cousin led him to an untimely passing. Boyd was selfless and deserves to be honored for his act of courage. Seven months of rehabilitation and four medical centers later, Chris is optimistic about his future. His charismatic demeanor is truly inspiring, and I feel honored to have gotten to know him. He continues his career with Prime while spreading words of wisdom, “No matter where you are or what you’re doing, always keep your eyes open.” Chris’ upbringing of always being a hard worker along with Boyd’s heroic decision that April morning is something we can all learn from.
“In a world plagued with commonplace tragedies, only one thing exists that truly has the power to save lives, and that is love.” -Richelle E. Goodrich
