Brian Koppenhaver Named TCA Highway Angel for Lifesaving Crash Rescue

August 14th, 2026

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named Melton Truck Lines driver Brian Koppenhaver a TCA Highway Angel for his extraordinary actions after witnessing a devastating crash on Interstate 70 in Ohio.

On July 30, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Koppenhaver was traveling near West Jefferson, Ohio, when he witnessed a violent collision involving a semi-truck and a box truck. Rather than continue past the crash, Koppenhaver immediately pulled onto the right shoulder and ran back to offer assistance.

“I watched the impact happen, so it’s not like I drove up on it,” Koppenhaver said. “I just put the turn signal on and got over on the right shoulder and ran back to offer assistance.”

When Koppenhaver reached the scene, he found the box truck severely crushed and its occupants critically injured. One of the occupants, a passenger named Mario, was trapped inside the wreckage. Recognizing that the trapped man needed immediate assistance, Koppenhaver climbed through an opening in the wreckage to the vehicle.

“When I got in there, Mario, his head was where the dash was supposed to be, and his feet were back towards where the cab of the truck was,” Koppenhaver said. “He wasn’t breathing. He’s not responsive.”

Koppenhaver cut open Mario’s shirt and began assessing him and attempting to stimulate a response. He said he was particularly concerned about possible spinal and head injuries and tried to keep Mario’s neck as still as possible.

“I did a sternum rub and stuff like that. Got him somewhat conscious,” Koppenhaver said.

As Mario began moving, Koppenhaver recognized the possibility of serious injuries and called 911 to relay what he was seeing and request additional medical assistance.

Mario had suffered massive lacerations to his left arm, and both of his legs were pinned beneath the wreckage. Koppenhaver remained with him while emergency personnel made their way to the scene.

He also helped prepare rescuers for the difficult extrication. When emergency medical personnel arrived, he requested a cervical collar for Mario. Firefighters then began working to cut through the heavily damaged vehicle with the jaws of life.

Mario was ultimately freed from the wreckage and transported for emergency medical treatment. According to Koppenhaver, Mario remains hospitalized in intensive care and has suffered severe injuries, including the loss of both legs.

A U.S. military veteran and retired U.S. Postal Service employee, Koppenhaver brought experience, composure and a determination to help to a chaotic and dangerous crash scene. His actions exemplify the courage, compassion and quick thinking that define the TCA Highway Angel program.

Since the TCA Highway Angel program’s inception in 1997, nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers have been recognized for exemplary kindness, courtesy and courage displayed while on the job. Thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor, EpicVue, and supporting sponsors DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, TCA is able to spotlight outstanding drivers like Koppenhaver.

To learn more about the TCA Highway Angel program, visit www.truckload.org/highway-angel/.