During the winter months in District 2, maintenance crew members spend countless hours plowing snow. They’re relied upon to make sure the roadways are safe and are always assisting drivers to get them to their destinations safely. March 10, 2021 was another one of those days for Highway Maintenance Worker, Travis Sutton, but after spotting some vehicle tracks leading from the roadway, Sutton realized this day was going to be much different than the rest.
Sutton was plowing snow on State Route 70 when he noticed the tracks leading off the roadway, towards the Feather River. After slowing down and being unable to spot a vehicle, Sutton immediately turned around and pulled over to check the area. It was when he looked over the riverbank that Sutton spotted a vehicle partially submerged in the icy Feather River.
He was calling Caltrans Dispatch to relay information when he noticed a young woman’s head pop out from the rocks. Sutton heard the woman say, “please help me”.
After ensuring more help was on the way, Sutton began making his way down to the young woman but realized the rocks were too large and slippery to climb back up. That’s when he laid on his stomach and grabbed the woman’s hands to pull her up.
Sutton was able to get the woman up onto the roadway and into his plow truck to keep her warm until the ambulance arrived. The young woman was then transported to the hospital.
Sutton’s attention to detail and willingness to help, likely saved this woman’s life and all of us here in District 2 are incredibly proud to have Travis Sutton, and many others like him, on our team.
Written by Public Information Officer, Haleigh Pike