The family of Ray C. Williams, who passed away on Thursday, February 12th, extends a note of gratitude to the “heroes” of Jackson Parish and the surrounding area.
On January 29th, Williams was traveling on Hwy 167, just north of Quitman, LA, during the ice storm that plagued the area, when his truck slid off the road and, after overturning, became partially submerged in the waters of an adjacent swamp.
Braving the icy conditions, Jackson Parish Hospital Doctors William (Jaime) and Tonya Slusher, nurses Hanna Williams and Summer LeBlanc, Sergeant Koby Saucier of the Louisiana National Guard, and concerned citizen Jacob Hady, who were traveling by at the same time, waded through the waters to pull Williams from the truck.
After carrying the unconscious victim to the bank, Hannah Williams started performing chest compressions while Dr. Tonya Slusher administered mouth-to-mouth breathing treatment. Their joint efforts resuscitated the victim.
The group continued to use their life-saving medical, trauma, and emergency care knowledge to keep Williams alive until First Responders and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) arrived on scene to take over the recovery efforts. After being stabilized at the North Louisiana Medical Center, Williams was transported to Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport.
Johnette Magner of KTBS, Channel 3 TV in Shreveport, LA reported the death on February 19th and posted the message from the family as shown below.
The family of Ray C. Williams would like to sincerely thank NLMC, Willis Knighton of Shreveport, and all those who helped in our loved one’s rescue and recovery. We thank you for the care, quick action, compassion, and bravery you showed in helping him. Your efforts gave our family more time with him, and that is something we will always be gratefull for.
Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries on February 12th. We take comfort in knowing that he was surrounded by people who were willing to step in and help when it mattered most. Your kindness and humanity meant more to us than words can fully express.
Thank you again for what you did for him and our family.