State patrol recognizes bravery of 13-year-old who steered car to safety in medical emergency

BATAVIA — A 13-year-old Clermont County teenager is being recognized for bravery for saving saving her mother’s life and quite possibly other lives, not to mention her own, when she steered the vehicle they were in to a safe spot off I-275 after her mother suffered a medical emergency and became unresponsive, the Ohio State Highway Patrol announced.

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Hayli DeWeese was a front seat passenger July 2 when her mother, Cheri Jansen, suffered the emergency as their car approached the on-ramp to the interstate from state Route 125. Their vehicle was drifting off the right side of the road, according to a news release from the Batavia Post of the state patrol Thursday evening.

Hayli, realizing her mother was unresponsive and no longer in control of the vehicle, maintained her composure and steered the vehicle until it came to a stop, avoiding any major collision. From the passenger seat, Hayli successfully steered as the vehicle crossed over the on-ramp from westbound state Route 125, down an embankment, across all four lanes of state Route 125, and then across the on-ramp from eastbound state Route 125.

Hayli prevented the vehicle from hitting multiple utility poles, traffic signs, a high-voltage electric transmission tower, as well as all the other vehicles traveling in that area.

After the vehicle came to a stop, Hayli calmly called 9-1-1 and gave an accurate description of the situation and their location.

Trooper Sara E. Mitchell, a trained paramedic, was the first emergency responder on scene.

“Trooper Mitchell said Hayli’s ability to remain that calm in such dire situation was nothing short of impressive, especially considering her age,“ Batavia Post Commander Lt. Dexter Howard said in the release. She also said Hayli was able to provide a detailed description of her mother’s medical condition, which aided Trooper Mitchell in providing the appropriate first aid measures until EMS arrived.

Lt. Howard, in the release, said “Trooper Mitchell, as well as the supervisory staff at the Batavia Post, feel that the Hayli’s actions during this incident undoubtedly prevented serious injury and/or loss of life to herself, her mother, as well as the other motorists on the roadway; and her actions warrant special attention from the Division.

“It is our recommendation that Hayli DeWeese receive a certificate of appreciation for the bravery she displayed on July 2, 2022.”

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