Three South Florida teenagers are being praised after a simple act of kindness helped save a stranded driver who suddenly suffered a heart attack on the side of the road.
According to the New York Post, Brody Murray, Logan Royer, and Cody Magrone had stopped at a McDonald’s on April 19 when they spotted a man struggling with a flat tire nearby, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
The teens decided to offer assistance to the driver, later identified as 65-year-old Diego Fernandez-Delgado.
While they were helping him change the tire, the situation quickly took a frightening turn.
Fernandez-Delgado suddenly became pale and appeared exhausted before complaining about chest pain, the teens said.
Realizing something was seriously wrong, Royer immediately called 911.
“There’s an old guy on the side of the road. We’re helping change his tire, and he does not feel good at all,” Royer told the emergency dispatcher in audio released by authorities.
The teens stayed with Fernandez-Delgado while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
Emergency crews later confirmed the man had suffered a heart attack. He was transported to a hospital, where he underwent several medical procedures before eventually being released.
Officials said the outcome could have been much worse if the students had not stepped in when they did.
Fernandez-Delgado reportedly did not have a working cellphone with him at the time and could not have called for help himself.
The man’s son, Cristian Fernandez, credited the teenagers with saving his father’s life.
“God didn’t send angels with wings,” Cristian said in a statement shared by police. “He sent those boys.”
The teenagers later said they never expected their small gesture to become a medical emergency.
“I think it was very lucky. It’s just right place, right time. Maybe God put us there to help this guy out,” Murray told “Good Morning America.”
Magrone also reflected on the importance of helping strangers.
“It doesn’t cost anything to be a good person, and you never know where it could lead to,” he said.
Local leaders formally recognized the three teens during a Special Recognition Meeting held Tuesday in Cooper City.
Authorities said what stood out most was not only the 911 call but also that the students chose to stop and help a stranger in the first place.
“While their decision to call 911 was pivotal, what sets this story apart is what led up to that moment,” the Broward County Sheriff’s Office said.
“Their actions serve as a powerful reminder: sometimes, the difference between life and death starts with simply choosing to step in and help.”
