Life
5-year-old acts fast to save family after their car plunges 40 feet off side of road
Lexi was determined to get help for her mom and baby brother.
Patricia Lynn
01.12.24

Kids have this incredible knack for bravery, often in ways that leave us adults in awe.

Take Lexi Shymanski, for example.

She’s just a young girl from Canada who found herself in a heart-stopping situation.

After her family’s car took a terrifying tumble down a 40-foot embankment, Lexi was the only one who could help save the day.

YouTube - Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube - Inside Edition

It started off as a normal car trip.

Angela Shymanski, Lexi’s mom, was at the wheel, navigating the tricky roads of the Rockies with Lexi and her baby Peter in tow.

Fatigue was creeping in, and despite her best efforts to stay alert, sleepiness won.

The next thing she knew, their car was off the road, plummeting down a steep embankment.

YouTube - Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube - Inside Edition

The crash was nothing short of horrific.

Angela ended up with a broken back, unconscious, and unable to help her babies.

Meanwhile, baby Peter’s cries echoed in the chaos.

But Lexi, only five years old, didn’t freeze.

Instead, she showed a courage that would leave many grown-ups in awe.

YouTube - Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube - Inside Edition

She quickly jumped into action.

The little girl, without even shoes on her feet, wrestled free from her seatbelt and scaled the 40-foot embankment.

It’s the stuff of superhero movies.

Once she reached the top, Lexi did everything she could to flag down a passing car, her mind set on getting help for her mom and brother.

YouTube - Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube - Inside Edition

Lexi’s persistence finally paid off.

A car stopped, and the people inside didn’t hesitate to help her call for emergency services.

It was a race against time, and their quick action was a lifeline for the Shymanski family.

YouTube - Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube - Inside Edition

When the paramedics arrived, they found Angela in a dire state, her heart had stopped.

Thankfully, they managed to bring her back.

Later, Angela would look back at that day with a mix of horror and gratitude, especially for Lexi.

She said it best herself, telling Inside Edition: “This little girl is the reason that I am alive, and that my baby’s alive and that my family’s together.”

YouTube - Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube - Inside Edition

Lexi’s dad, reflecting on the ordeal, couldn’t help but be amazed by his daughter’s bravery.

He stressed how important it is for kids to be prepared for emergencies, marveling at how Lexi remembered and acted on what she had been taught.

It’s a powerful reminder of what kids can do when push comes to shove.

YouTube - Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube - Inside Edition

There was this incredibly touching moment when the Shymanski family got to meet the strangers who stopped to help.

Angela’s tears and heartfelt thanks said it all – these people were angels who played a pivotal role in saving her and her baby’s life.

And Lexi’s heroism didn’t go unnoticed.

She was awarded a Bronze Medal for Bravery by the Edmonton police.

But for the Shymanski family, the real prize was being back in each other’s arms, safe and sound.

YouTube - Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube - Inside Edition

Watch the video below to learn more about this unforgettable story!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Advertisement