Dillon Reeves: Seventh grader becomes local hero by safely stopping school bus after driver passes out
WARREN, MICHIGAN: A quick-witted student from Warren Consolidated Schools is being credited with guiding a school bus to safety after the driver seemed to pass out at the wheel on Wednesday afternoon, April 26, according to authorities. According to Warren Con authorities, Dillon Reeves was in a school bus returning from Carter Middle School in the late afternoon when the bus driver "became lightheaded and lost consciousness" on Masonic Boulevard close to Burnet Road.
Seventh-grader Dillon "saw the driver in distress, stepped to the front of the bus and helped bring it to a stop without incident," according to a statement from bus driver's union president Robert Livernois. Dillon stopped the bus from plowing into nearby automobiles and a house. The bus driver received first aid at the spot after Warren police and firefighters arrived there promptly, as per reports.
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'I could not be prouder'
According to police, the driver looked to have fallen asleep owing to a medical issue and was taken to a local hospital for examination, but their current condition is unknown. Students were safely put onto a different bus for the ride home before Carter Middle School Principal Amy Hendry and another school official arrived, as per reports. Livernois said, "The actions of the student who helped stop the bus made all the difference today, and I could not be prouder of his efforts," as reported by KIRO7.
'He is the local hero'
Steve and Ireta Reeves, Dillon's parents, enthusiastically shared a photo of their son on social media, referring to him as a "local hero." Ireta wrote on Facebook, "On the way home from school today Dillons bus driver passed out at the wheel and Dillon jumped into action and stopped the bus and Saved all the kids, a car and house it could have hit in its path!! He is the Local HERO!! His principal arrived to the scene as well as Warren Police and Fire dept. Everyone is so proud of him!! He is home and everyone is okay all thanks to Dillon!!! Bus driver went to the hospital via ambulance."
In a Facebook post Wednesday, Warren City councilman Jonathan Lafferty hailed Dillon Reeves. "The city is very proud of our 7th Grade Hero. This young man jumped into action when his school bus driver experienced a medical emergency, bringing the bus to a stop and avoiding what could have been a very tragic accident," Lafferty said. "We are very proud of you for your heroic actions!"
