Hayden Johnson, a former Skyhawk baseball standout, is being praised across the county for rescuing an elderly woman from a burning overturned vehicle.
As per the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson was going about his regular workday when he was flagged down and alerted to a serious accident nearby.
He quickly located the wrecked vehicle, which had veered off the road, overturned, and caught fire in a creek.
Inside, an elderly woman was trapped. However, her identity has not been revealed.
As per the witnesses, Johnson immediately exited his work van, climbed into the creek, and forced his way into the vehicle.
Despite the smoke, flames, and airbags obstructing access, he cut through the airbags, freed the woman, and carried her away from the burning car.
He then dragged the woman approximately 50 yards to a safe location until emergency crews arrived on scene.
Sheriff’s officials noted that without Hayden’s swift and selfless actions, the outcome could have been tragic.
The woman thanked Hayden’s bravery, and is expected to make a full recovery. 9-year-old Jaxon, who was nearby when the crash occurred, heard the impact and noticed the fire.
He ran to alert his grandmother, who immediately called 911.
The sheriff’s Office honored Jaxon with one of its “Make Good Decisions” awards, a free ice cream and cookie card, part of a community program in partnership with McDonald’s to recognize children who demonstrate responsibility.
The Boone County, WV, Sheriff’s Office took to their official Facebook handle to announce the tragic news. They wrote,
Hero? Guardian Angel?Please share and help spread a positive story! Hayden Johnson was going about his workday this afternoon as usual and probably looking forward to Monday being over. While in the Foster area, he was flagged down and told about a vehicle that was on fire from a car accident. Around the corner Hayden located a burning car that had left the roadway and overturned in the creek. Without another thought, Johnson exited his work van, climbed down into the creek, cut the airbags out of the way and pulled the elderly lady out of the burning car. He then drug her approximately 50 yards away where she would be safe until emergency crews arrived.
Boone County WV Sheriff
Skyhawk Athletics shared the post and wrote,
Hayden is a former Skyhawk Baseball stand out and Scott High class of 2024 Graduate and Jaxon is the brother of senior football player, Jayden Brown! Proud of our former and future Skyhawks!
Skyhawk Athletics
Hayden’s girlfriend, Haven Dolin, also took to Facebook and praised Hayden for his brave work. She wrote,
My boy!! If you know Hayden, you know this is how he is day in and day out. If you don’t, this is him. The most selfless, caring, compassionate, loving, and last but not least, strong person I know. Hayden is there to help anyone at anytime, regardless of if he knows them or not. I couldn’t be prouder and more thankful to call him mine. There are no words to describe how much I love this boy. I love you with my entire heart and being. I love you forever and ever and always, Hayden, I’m so thankful that you’re you 🥹💘💘
Haven Dolin
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Hayden’s girlfriend, Haven Dolin, lives in Madison, West Virginia, United States.
