WATCH: A trucker, who decided to take a second look at debris on the roadside of the Trans-Canada Highway outside of Chemainus, is being credited with saving a woman’s life after she was found lying crumpled under clothing on the median early Tuesday morning. The hero trucker spoke exclusively with Chek News about the reunion with the woman he rescued soon followed.
Gord Price was buzzing Wednesday while climbing back into his big rig truck to haul wood chips from Chemainus to Nanaimo. He was recalling what happened during the same run early Tuesday morning.
“I don’t know it’s crazy,” said Price.
At 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, Price was on the Island Highway leaving Chemainus when he entered a stretch of dark road and saw what looked like crumpled debris on the side of the road.
“It looked like it could have been a blanket a quilt, somebody lost a bed mattress,” he said.
He took a second glance while passing the debris and was shocked he says by what he saw.
“A hand sticking out and a face,” said Price.
He hit the brakes and pulled off the road, flagging down oncoming cars that could have hit the object. His fears were confirmed as he got closer. It was the body of a woman.
“A white cotton housecoat laying up against the cement meridian not conscious. There’s no signs of life,” said Price.
That’s when truckers passing by blocked the highway. They wrapped the woman in a blanket until paramedics could arrive. Price then felt a pulse begin.
“My mom says guardian angels,” said Price. “Somebody wanted you to be there.”
RCMP say Price was a lifesaver.
“His actions were able to help her save her life,” said Const. Pam Bolton of North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
The woman Price saved is Patricia Galloway, who just released from hospital. On Wednesday, she reunited with her hero.
“What’s your name?” Galloway asked Price as she reached out to embrace him during the meeting.
“Gord Price,” he answered.
“Gord, very nice to meet you,” said Galloway.
“Very nice to meet you Pat,” said Price.
Galloway doesn’t know exactly what happened but remembers stepping out of her house, which is two kilometres from where she was found, to look for her cat. The next thing she remembers is waking up in the ambulance. Doctors say she suffered a medical emergency and are running tests.
“I don’t remember any of it,” said Galloway.
Yet she is grateful to Price.
“I am so happy you are here,” said Price embracing Galloway. “So am I,” she said laughing.
Skye Ryan
