POLK COUNTY, Ore. — The Eugene Police Department are searching for a Good Samaritan who may have saved a driver's life after a serious car crash in Polk County last month.
Authorities said the only two things they know about her are that her name is Mikayla — or Michaela, with the spelling unclear — and that she is an emergency room nurse.
According to Deputy Chief Shawn Adams with Eugene Police, Mikayla helped at the scene of a three-car collision on Highway 18, west of Willamina, on Nov. 16. Two of the vehicles were involved in a head-on crash, with one, a Toyota Prius, severely damaged and the driver in serious condition.
Adams, who was returning from a conference that Saturday morning, was one of the first responders on the scene. As he was preparing to provide emergency care for one of the drivers, Mikayla appeared and immediately began assisting, identifying herself as an ER nurse.
"And boy, oh boy, it showed," he told KGW on Tuesday. "Just amazing care, compassion and empathy. I have no doubt that her efforts made a positive impact on the driver's recovery."
Adams confirmed that after spending nearly a month in the hospital, the injured driver has since been transferred to a recovery facility.
Now, Eugene police are trying to track down Mikayla to thank her for her life-saving actions. Adams said at the very least, he wants to craft a letter to the hospital board — wherever she works — to recognize her work.
The police department has turned to social media in an effort to locate her. A post shared on Monday has been widely circulated, with more than 1,000 likes and hundreds of shares in less than 48 hours.
"I don't think Mikayla will see the posts or this interview," Adams said. "But our hope is that someone who knows her will recognize her and reach out."
Eugene Police ask for any assistance in identifying Mikayla so she may be recognized for her work. Anyone with information is encouraged to email Deputy Chief Adams at sadams@euguene-or.gov.