A Tinley Park HS student saves a mother who had a medical emergency while driving

TINLEY PARK, Ill. — A sophomore at Southwest Suburban High School in Tinley Park was honored Wednesday for her courageous life-saving actions involving her mother.

Reagan Monaghan’s quick thinking prevented a major car accident on Sunday, October 13th. The 15-year-old was in the passenger seat as her mother drove down a tri-state road around South Holland when the unthinkable happened: Reagan’s mother began to have a seizure.

Her mother’s body became rigid, forcing her to accelerate the vehicle.

Officials say Reagan quickly grabbed the steering wheel and pushed the driver’s seat back to take her mom’s foot off the pedal. She eventually maneuvered the car to the side of the road without colliding with other vehicles.

South Highlands firefighter Tom Farr spoke about Reagan’s life-saving efforts.

“Today we celebrate Reagan not only for having the courage and knowledge to act in a situation of extreme stress, but as a direct result, saving countless lives on the road that evening, both hers and her mother’s,” Farr said.

After Reagan stopped the car, a passing firefighter also pulled over to help. Fortunately, both Reagan and mom were okay.

Interestingly, Reagan took her last driving lesson on Wednesday and passed it, as expected.