Astoria, OR — The Eugene Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying an ER nurse who helped save a driver’s life at the scene of a serious crash on Highway 18 in mid-November. The woman, who provided critical medical assistance, left the scene before emergency responders could formally identify her, and authorities are eager to recognize her for her heroic actions.
The incident occurred on November 16 near the Willamina Junction, when a head-on collision involving a Prius left one of the drivers trapped inside the wreckage. Deputy Chief Shawn Adams, who responded to the crash, said he was initially surprised to find a stranger—later identified only as “Mikayla”—offering medical help at the scene.
According to Adams, Mikayla immediately stepped in to assist as responders worked to free the trapped driver. “As we began treating the driver, Mikayla and I briefly discussed who had the higher level of training and who would be in the best position to provide primary care,” Adams recalled. “That’s when I learned that Mikayla is an ER nurse. She was incredibly helpful.”
During the roughly 30 minutes that responders worked to extricate the driver from the crushed vehicle, Mikayla’s medical expertise was crucial in stabilizing the injured person, according to Adams. “She was amazing,” he said. “I honestly believe she may have saved this driver’s life. At the very least, I know her efforts had a profound impact on the driver’s condition.”
After assisting for nearly half an hour, Mikayla left the scene before emergency responders could properly identify her. The police department has since launched an effort to locate her and offer recognition for her selfless actions.
“We would love to thank Mikayla for everything she did that day,” said Officer Chris Wilson, a spokesperson for the Eugene Police Department. “She stepped in during a critical moment, and without her help, things could have turned out very differently. We just want to make sure she gets the recognition she deserves.”
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about Mikayla’s identity to come forward. While her name was not clearly recorded during the brief exchange with Deputy Chief Adams, investigators are hopeful that the community can help identify this “good Samaritan” and ensure she is properly honored.
“We know that there are people in the community who may have witnessed the crash or interacted with Mikayla in some way,” Wilson said. “We’re asking anyone who might know who she is to contact us so we can give her the recognition she deserves.”
The driver who was rescued from the wreckage is reportedly recovering in the hospital, thanks in part to the quick and skilled intervention provided by Mikayla at the scene.
Anyone with information about the identity of Mikayla is urged to contact the Eugene Police Department.
