Witnesses Jump Into Action To Save Muskogee Motorcycle Crash Victims

A couple seriously hurt after suffering serious injuries in a motorcycle crash on the Fourth of July are alive, thanks to the actions of citizens in Muskogee who rushed in to help them.

Those Good Samaritans say they were just in the right place at the right time.

A firework stand owner just feet away from the crash jumped into action along with several other Good Samaritans, saving the couple's lives.

It had been an exhausting week for Derrick Abel, owner of the firework stand. Fourth of July weekend manning one of four fireworks stands near Muskogee on their busiest day of the year.

"At about 11 p.m. there was a loud boom or explosion. That always gets our attention, since we sell fireworks," Abel said.

Abel said he and two of his customers at the stand ran over to the intersection of York and Hancock and saw a man and woman that had been hit and thrown off a motorcycle.

Muskogee police officer Lynn Hamlin said the driver of a minivan tried to turn left at a flashing yellow light.

"She looked, didn't see anything, and entered the intersection," Hamlin said. "About midway through she struck the motorcycle."

Abel, who has a background in emergency management, and four other citizens jumped into action. They applied tourniquets to stop the bleeding.

"All five of us worked together," Abel said. "The family said we were heroes, but we were just in the right place at the right time."

Family members said Staci Hicks and her boyfriend John Conn both suffered several broken bones and fractures and are still in the hospital. Relatives said thanks to the Good Samaritans, both are expected to live.

"The doctors and nurses said had we not acted, they wouldn't be with us today," Abel said.

Officer Hamlin said even after police showed up on scene, the men and women continued to help the officers.

"It's awesome when you show up and the bystanders are taking charge," Hamlin said.

The family has created a GoFundMe for the two victims.