Couple survives rollover crash thanks to three anonymous heroes


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PROVO — They lived because of the quick response of three strangers and now they're sharing their story, hoping to find those men so they can say thank you.

George and Ragena Simpers were heading out on a camping trip in Goblin Valley late Wednesday afternoon when they lost control of their vehicle and rolled. They are both recovering at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center where doctors say they're lucky they survived.

"I just know all of a sudden the trailer started dancing a bit," Ragena Simper said.

A wind gust caused the couple's trailer to fishtail.


The choices were either overcorrect and roll or go off a 200 foot cliff.

–George Simper


"The choices were either overcorrect and roll or go off a 200 foot cliff," George Simper said.

The car rolled several times. Both were bleeding profusely, and George had a severe head injury, but their troubles weren't over.

"I asked if he was alive, he said yes and then I could smell smoke and see smoke but I couldn't get out," Ragena Simper said. "I was trapped."

What happened next, the Simpers call a miracle. They say three guardian angels found them and they had medical training.

"He put his shirt over the glass and it took all three guys all their strength to pull us out," Ragena Simper said.


Ever since it happened I just keep thinking I wish I knew who you were so I could see you and tell you thank you and how much I really, really appreciate it.

–Ragena Simper


One of the men used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. Another controlled the bleeding on George's head.

In all the confusion, there was no exchange of names or contact information, but the Simpers remember one of the men said he was an Army medic from California. Another was an off-duty firefighter from Price. And the third, a truck driver just passing through.

"There is no way this is a coincidence," George said. "The odds are one in a trillion."

The Simpers are now recovering from their injuries but they want to know who their rescuers are and tell them just how much their heroic actions mean.

"Ever since it happened I just keep thinking I wish I knew who you were so I could see you and tell you thank you and how much I really, really appreciate it," Ragena Simper said.

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Ashley Kewish

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