HOUSTON — Nicholas Laye says his motorcycle crash was the most painful experience of his life, both physically and mentally.
Laye had 11 surgeries in the first three months and wasn’t sure if doctors would have to amputate.
He pulled through, however, and in a remarkable way. Now Laye wants to track down the woman who kept him alive.
The accident happened back in January on Highway 288. Laye and his fiancée were heading downtown for lunch.
He says a pick-up truck drove into his lane.
“My motorcycle spun and ended up pinning my right leg between my motorcycle and their truck,” Laye said.
The driver took off.
Laye couldn’t move.
“It destroyed my right leg, I had two torn femurs. My knee was destroyed, as well.”
A sergeant in the Army with first responder training, Laye knew he was at risk of bleeding to death.
A woman who pulled over and called 911, was also aware how urgently he needed care.
“She looked at my leg and immediately identified the need for a tourniquet," Laye remembered.
Using a belt, the Good Samaritan made a tourniquet, potentially saving his life.
Laye said he’s now desperate to find her, so that he can thank her.
Laye’s fiancé snapped a photo of the woman at the scene, and the picture has been shared 25,000 times on Facebook.
All he knows is that she’s a nurse with blonde hair.
She had two children in her car and left as soon as paramedics arrived.
Laye said he owes the mystery woman his life.
“Everything, because at the end of the day, my daughter has her father in her life. My co-workers have their soldier back. My parents, they have their son back.”
Laye just turned 36 years-old. He says he is 9 months ahead of schedule with his recovery.
He credits his team of doctors at Memorial Hermann and the support of his family and friends.