Long-Time Member Survives Harrowing Accident Thanks to Acts of Good Samaritans

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Libbie Chapuran

Sam Orbovich, an attorney with Fredrickson & Byron, and a long-time Business Partner of LeadingAge Minnesota, survived a traumatic accident thanks to the acts of several heroic individuals.

The rescue, which was covered by local and national news outlets including Good Morning America, was captured on a bystander’s dash-cam.

Since this compelling story is getting so much attention, Sam has issued a statement thanking the individuals who came to his aid:

“I am alive today because several Good Samaritans and professional first responders saved my life. Fred Rogers used to say that whenever someone sees something scary, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’

“On Thursday evening several drivers along I-94 in St. Paul pulled over, ran from their cars, and tried to free me as my car was bursting into flames along the berm of the freeway. My airbag deployed after my car hit a lamp post and guardrail. I came to just before a Highway Helper broke open my window and everyone pulled me to safety. I survived with only minor superficial injuries.

“As an attorney who has represented caregivers in Minnesota for over 40 years, it comes as no surprise when well-trained professionals snap into action to save someone’s life or keep them out of harm’s way. But it is incredibly heroic when people driving down the highway choose to put themselves at risk by running toward the flames to extract a stranger from a burning car that could explode at any moment.

“My family and I are incredibly grateful for these heroes. I sincerely thank everyone, including Kadir, Tessa, those who hammered at my car door amid the flames, and Minnesota’s FIRST Highway Helpers.

“I look forward to thanking them all in person.”