COWETA COUNTY, Ga. — An Emergency Medical Technician asked the public for support online after being involved in a severe car accident.
Family members of EMT James Bennefield of Newnan wrote on GoFundMe that he picked up an extra shift on Christmas Eve and was on his way to work when his car malfunctioned.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
According to Bennefield’s family, his car’s acceleration locked, his speed began to increase and there was nothing he could do.
“I called 911 and begged for help, but I could barely hear the dispatcher over the sound of the V8,” Bennefield said. “Being a holiday, traffic was light, but I knew I was approaching a busier area with some tight turns. I knew if I was going to die, I didn’t want to kill anyone else.”
Family members of Bennefield said the car reached 120 MPH, before Bennefield intentionally crashed, left the roadway and rolled several times, crushing the passenger side of the vehicle before coming to a stop.
TRENDING STORIES:
- UGA researchers go deep into Georgia swamp to find massive gator after losing GPS signal
- Human remains found in Gwinnett County identified as missing 16-year-old girl
- Atlanta loses major music festival, partially due to security concerns and fights over gun control
Bennefield said he was flown to a trauma center in Georgia, where he received lifesaving medical care.
“I’m grateful to all the people that took part in saving my life,” Bennefield said.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Bennefield added that his professional goal is to become a firefighter and be a good example to his three boys.
To donate to help Bennefield and his family, click here.
IN OTHER NEWS:
This browser does not support the video element.