Retired Navy Seal Derrick Van Olden (R-Wi) played a crucial role in rescuing an 11-year-old boy injured in a car accident on Interstate 35 near Osceola, Iowa, on Saturday, August 16th.
Van Olden and his wife, Sarah, were traveling south on Interstate 35 when they witnessed a serious crash involving a Dodge Grand Caravan, which swerved off the road at a high speed.
Van Olden recounted that the vehicle crumpled on impact, leaving the young boy with severe injuries. “His calf, which was as big as my thighs, was completely torn apart, exposing his tibia and fibula,” Van Olden explained. “And there was an artery bleeding in his right wrist.”
As a retired Navy Seal and current representative for Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District, Van Olden quickly returned to his vehicle, fetching a sock from his bag.
He noted, “By that time, maybe ten people had stopped to help, but it felt like I was the only one without medical training. With the assistance of other drivers who pulled over, we managed to stabilize the boy until paramedics arrived, along with a few women who identified themselves as medics.”
Van Olden emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “It took about 10 to 15 minutes. He could have bled out and died.” He highlighted the efforts of bystanders, including one man who even broke the windshield wiper to help secure the boy’s arm.
On Monday, Van Olden visited the boy at a hospital in Des Moines following the incident. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “What happened there embodies everything I love about America. People just started showing up, asking how they could help. It’s incredible.”
In a recent post, Van Olden mentioned, “God works in mysterious ways. This happened last Saturday, but the story emerged today. It’s also the second anniversary of my dear daughter’s passing. I’m just thankful that this young man’s father didn’t become part of a club no one wants to join.”
Conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt praised Van Olden’s bravery, noting his history of service as a Navy Seal. “Bravo, Rep. @derrickvanorden. I’m sure you’ve saved many lives during your service, but thank you for this one,” Hewitt tweeted.
This isn’t the first time Van Olden has been credited with saving lives. Back in 2020, while campaigning for Congress, he assisted a 77-year-old woman who was choking in a Wisconsin restaurant.
