Brain-Dead Woman Erinn Phelan Saved Friend's Life
Though her survival chances are slim, Erin Phelan is credited with heroism for pushing a friend to safety as the car was bearing down on them.
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February 24, 2010
A Swampscott, Massachusetts-native Erinn Phelan is in critical condition at a New York hospital after she was injured in a hit-and-run car accident early on Sunday. And although her survival chances are slim, she is credited with heroism for pushing a friend to safety as the car was bearing down on them in Brooklyn.
As a result, Alma Guerrero, who was Phelan's roommate at Brown University, sustained only a broken collarbone, while Phelan's injuries proved to be more catastrophic, according to WHDH7 News.
The source cited New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose NYC Civic Corps hired the 22-year-old woman last year, as saying "[she] is a fighter."
"She's got a big heart … and everyone in this city is pulling for her to get through this," he added.
Although the circumstances of the accident are still under investigation, most car crashes occur as a result of careless driving. That is why experts say those who have sat behind the wheel while drunk should seek counseling. Meanwhile, partygoers who consume alcohol should designate one person who does not drink as a driver or use alternative means of transportation such as a taxi or bus.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an advocacy organization that accepts donations, an estimated 11,773 people died in car accidents caused by intoxication in 2008.
Survivors and their families may access valuable resources through the Crash Survivors Network.
A Swampscott, Massachusetts-native Erinn Phelan is in critical condition at a New York hospital after she was injured in a hit-and-run car accident early on Sunday. And although her survival chances are slim, she is credited with heroism for pushing a friend to safety as the car was bearing down on them in Brooklyn.
As a result, Alma Guerrero, who was Phelan's roommate at Brown University, sustained only a broken collarbone, while Phelan's injuries proved to be more catastrophic, according to WHDH7 News.
The source cited New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose NYC Civic Corps hired the 22-year-old woman last year, as saying "[she] is a fighter."
"She's got a big heart … and everyone in this city is pulling for her to get through this," he added.
Although the circumstances of the accident are still under investigation, most car crashes occur as a result of careless driving. That is why experts say those who have sat behind the wheel while drunk should seek counseling. Meanwhile, partygoers who consume alcohol should designate one person who does not drink as a driver or use alternative means of transportation such as a taxi or bus.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an advocacy organization that accepts donations, an estimated 11,773 people died in car accidents caused by intoxication in 2008.
Survivors and their families may access valuable resources through the Crash Survivors Network.
