NATIONAL NEWS

‘I was put there for a reason’: Former Marine saves toddler after Clark Co. crash kills 9

Mar 12, 2024, 10:22 AM | Updated: 10:23 am

A former Marine saved a toddler after witnessing a car crash in Clark County, Wisconsin that killed...

A former Marine saved a toddler after witnessing a car crash in Clark County, Wisconsin that killed nine people. Mandatory Credit: WDJT via CNN Newsource

CLARK COUNTY, Wisconsin (WDJT) — A former Marine who witnessed a crash in west-central Wisconsin got to see the little boy he saved the day of the accident.

“Through the debris, I noticed the bodies,” Nathaniel Jahn said.

During his morning commute on Friday, March 8, Jahn approached State Highway 95 and County Highway J in the Town of Dewhurst and witnessed a crash he said replays in his mind daily.

“The semi collided with the van and sent the van sailing down the road,” he said. “I started running toward them and realized the van had started on fire.”

While trying to help the passengers, he heard a whimper. Jahn found 2-year-old Micah Schrock, who had been ejected from the van, underneath the rubble.

“He was crying,” he explained. “I just took my sweatshirt off, wrapped him, tried to keep him warm.”

The nine other people, including the semi driver, did not make it. The Associated Press identified the semi driver Monday as 51-year-old Daniel Liddicoat of Rewey, Wisconsin.

Micah’s family were members of Burke’s Garden Amish Community in Virginia. Sara White was a neighbor who had known the family for over a decade.

“It’s been horrible. Horrible. We’ve never experienced anything like this,” White said.

White tells CBS 58 since the crash, there has been an outpouring of support as she and others have collected donations. “My phone rang at least 100 times a day, people wanting to make donations. It’s really amazing,” she said.

With more than 1,000 people expected to visit the area to mourn, White said any help is appreciated. They have been collecting food, paper products, and money for funeral expenses.

“A lot of people in the community have donated their Airbnbs. We’re putting them in there,” she said. “The people that are bringing donations have been absolutely amazing.”

While the community prepares to say goodbye to the lives lost, Jahn got to say hello to Micah, who is now with his grandparents, on Monday.

“He’s fussy, but he’s eating and drinking and vocal, and that did my heart, warms me right over to see him,” Jahn said.

Jahn said seeing the 2-year-old safe is helping him cope with the trauma of this tragedy.

“I’m happy I got Micah. I’m happy I got him safe to his family, and it’s not a total loss,” he said.

“I was put there for a reason, and a little boy got saved.”

Over the weekend, Jahn and his wife created a memorial at the intersection with a cross and flower wreath to honor the lives lost.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office has not identified the victims, but an Amish information line created to keep the community up to date on the crash named the people inside the van who died:

James McCoy, 45 Linda Byler, 44 Lydia Byler, 24 Ellen Schrock, 23 Orlah Schrock, 24 Judy Rose Schrock, 6 months Delilah Schrock, 21 Suzanna Hertzler, 18

“Having nine lives snuffed out in one accident is a tremendous shock. No words can explain it. It is totally beyond our comprehension, our hearts are torn and bleeding,” the information line said.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.


The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

KSL 5 TV Live

National News

FILE - A thick haze hangs over Manhattan in New York on July 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, Fi...

Associated Press

22 states sue New York state, alleging environmental fund is unconstitutional

Twenty-two states sued New York state on Thursday, contending that a new law forcing a small group of major energy producers to pay $75 billion into a fund to cover climate change damage is unconstitutional.

16 hours ago

FILE - In this photo reviewed by U.S. military officials, flags fly at half-staff at Camp Justice, ...

Associated Press

Newly unsealed documents reveal more details of prosecutors’ evidence in 9/11 attacks

Newly unsealed documents give one of the most detailed views yet of the evidence gathered on the accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

17 hours ago

Protesters in front of the Utah Capitol on Feb. 5, 2025 to protest President Donald Trump and Elon ...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com

‘We are the real patriots’: Utahns protest Donald Trump, Elon Musk outside Capitol

Hundreds of Utahns joined nationwide protests in opposition to President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, one of Trump's top benefactors who has sought to gut federal agencies as a "special government employee."

20 hours ago

Roger Krone, chief executive officer of Scouting America, describes the design of the organization'...

Jamie Stengle, Associated Press

Boy Scouts see small uptick after rebrand to Scouting America

A historic rebrand of the Boy Scouts of America has been followed by a small uptick in young people joining what will now be called Scouting America.

1 day ago

Palestinians walk in the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, Ga...

Lucas Lilieholm, Michael Schwartz and Helen Regan, CNN

Israel backs Trump plan and orders military to prepare for Palestinians to leave Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has backed US President Donald Trump’s proposal to “take over” Gaza.

1 day ago

US Navy recovery teams lift the back wing section of American Airlines Flight 5342 from the Potomac...

Andy Rose, CNN

Latest radar evidence suggests Black Hawk in DC disaster was flying too high, but NTSB wants more proof

Newly released data from ground-based radar came out Tuesday suggesting an Army helicopter was flying higher than it was supposed to be when it collided with American Airlines Flight 5342 a week ago, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft.

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

‘I was put there for a reason’: Former Marine saves toddler after Clark Co. crash kills 9