22-year-old hailed for heroic actions, stopping swerving car in LaGrange
The young man heroically stopped a swerving car, saving lives when the driver suffered a seizure.
LAGRANGE, Ga. — A LaGrange 22-year-old is being hailed as a hero after a dramatic act of bravery stopped a potential tragedy in its tracks.
Zion Reed didn’t hesitate. When he saw a car swerving into oncoming traffic — the driver visibly convulsing and in clear medical distress — the courageous 22-year-old jumped into action, risking his own safety to protect others.
The incident unfolded near the entrance of the Bryant Lake subdivision on Highway 27. According to eyewitness Drew Gardner, who is the wrestling coach at the Troup County School District, the car was heading the wrong way and appeared to be out of control. The driver was suffering a seizure behind the wheel, vomiting and unable to stop the vehicle.
Before Gardner could reach the car himself, Zion sprinted toward the moving vehicle, threw open the door and dove headfirst inside. With the car still in motion, he reached the floorboard and slammed the brake with his hand, bringing the vehicle to a stop — just feet away from a fully loaded dump truck.
“He absolutely saved lives today,” Gardner said. “I was amazed by Zion’s courage and bravery. I’m so grateful for his actions.”
As another bystander called 911, Zion was already on the phone, calmly coordinating help while keeping the driver safe until emergency responders arrived.
“This young man is so deserving to be recognized as a hero today,” Gardner said. “In a world full of chaos, we need more people like Zion. His selfless act made a life-saving difference.”
The community is rallying around Zion and calling for him to be honored for his bravery.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct Zion Reed’s age. A previous version mentioned he was a teenager.