Amazing moment when a 13-year-old schoolboy took over the school bus and brought it to a safe stop after the driver suffered a medical attack and passed out behind the wheel
- Dillon Reeves, 13, saved the lives of his classmates and bus driver on Wednesday
- Reeves and 66 other students were on their way home from Carter Middle School when the heroic teen noticed the bus driver pass out while driving
- Footage showed the brave moment unfolding as he quickly rushed to help
A heroic seventh grader saved the lives of his classmates after taking control of a school bus when the driver passed out behind the wheel.
Dillon Reeves, 13, was on his way home from Carter Middle School in Warren, Massachusetts, along with 66 other students when his bus driver became lightheaded and passed out Wednesday afternoon.
Surveillance footage showed the driver telling others on her radio that she was feeling “dizzy” and was going to pull over. Before she could stop, she began to shake before sinking onto the steering wheel.
For several seconds, the bus moved slowly straight ahead until Reeves sped forward to take control. The brave student quickly found the brake pedal and parked the bus on Masonic Boulevard.
In the confusion, Reeves still had the means to tell his friends to call 911, video posted by WXYZ showed.
Dillon Reeves, 13, saved the lives of his classmates when the bus driver had a medical emergency and passed out behind the wheel
Reeves and 66 other students were on their way home from Carter Middle School when the heroic teen sprang into action
No one was injured in the horrific incident, but the students can be heard in the footage screaming as Reeves slammed on the brakes.
The bus driver was transported to a local hospital where she is still being cared for.
Warren Consolidated School officials held a press conference to praise Reeves’ heroic act.
He got up, assessed the situation and saw that the driver had passed out. This was an extraordinary act of courage,” said Superintendent Robert Livernois.
“He jumped up from his seat, threw down his backpack, ran forward and grabbed the steering wheel and brought the bus to a stop.”
Reeves did not speak at the press conference and humbly remained in the back.
The teen’s proud parents spoke up on his behalf, praising him for his quick response.
‘Very, very proud. This is overwhelming for all of us. This is national right now,” said his father, Steve Reeves. ‘He pays a lot of attention to his surroundings.’
The bus’s surveillance footage showed the courageous action as the driver first shuddered and then slumped onto the steering wheel
School officials said Reeves noticed the driver pass out and immediately rushed to the front of the bus
No one was injured in the horrific incident, but the students can be heard in the footage screaming as Reeves slammed on the brakes. He is seen above with his sister
The teen’s proud parents spoke up on his behalf, praising him for his quick response. He told them that he learned how to “drive” the bus because he watched the bus driver every day
To honor and thank the 13-year-old for his emergency help, locals decorated his family’s front yard with a sign reading “hero.”
When asked by his mother, Ireta, where he learned how to drive a bus, the teen said: “I saw her do it every day.”
The proud mother added: “He’s a really great guy this year. He’s come a long way. Good grades, experiences at school with friends. To do such a thing fills my heart and makes my heart beat faster.”
On Facebook, Ireta Reeves speculated that something else was going on during her son’s actions.
“Jesus had everything to do with the courage and quick action Dillon showed today. For Dillon, it’s just another day. He has no idea how many people are so proud of him today,” she wrote.
Reeves is expected to receive an award from the Warren Police Department.