Clemson staff assists victim after car crash near practice field
Members of Clemson‘s football staff assisted a freshman student after he was involved in a car crash outside the team’s practice facility Tuesday night.
Coach Dabo Swinney was talking to the team after practice when the crash happened. The car, driven by Clary Miles, started to slide down an embankment toward the Seneca River. Members of Clemson’s program went outside to see what happened after hearing the crash and sprang into action after Miles’ car started sliding down toward the water.
Clemson players, coaches, and personnel rushed to the edge of the river. Sports Medicine Assistant Scott Crowthers, student athletic trainer Bailey Black, student managers Jack Wardlaw and Jack Sari, student coach Daniel Boyd and student videographer Eric Suttles, all swam across the river to reach Miles. Boyd and Suttles are military veterans.
Graduate assistant athletic trainer Rachel Alterio and student athletic trainer Ana Wright also went to the scene to provide help in removing Miles from the car and onto land. The students stayed with Miles until EMS personnel arrived.
“When we got to the edge of the water I think our entire team was ready to jump in and help, but I held them off (blew his whistle) to let those who were experienced in this area go across,” Swinney told Clemson’s website.
“This accident became personal very quickly. I have known Clary since he was 8 years old. I am just thankful we were out there and could get to him quickly and direct the EMS to where he was. It might have been a while before anyone found him had we not been there.”
Miles works in the Clemson football office and played baseball as a kid with Will Swinney, Dabo’s son.
Per reports, Miles was injured in the crash, though his injuries are not considered life threatening.
“I want to tell everyone how grateful we are to everyone associated with the Clemson football program that helped my son,” his mother Paula said in a statement. “I am especially grateful for those trainers and managers and others who swam to help Clary and get him out of the car. Thomas Austin rode in the ambulance with him to the hospital and that was so comforting. I am just so glad my son is alive.”
– – – – – – –
Nick Bromberg is the editor of Dr. Saturday and From the Marbles on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
