A Brook Park resident saves a man’s life after he was nearly killed in a motorcycle accident

BROOK PARK, Ohio – August 14th is the day Steve Maty almost lost his life; He was in a motorcycle accident near the intersection of Holland Road and Smith Road in Brook Park.

“[My partner] and I, we just went about our day, ran a few errands together, and then she helped me put up yard sale signs that day. We made a few stops and started placing our flea market signs. She drove. I was sitting in the passenger seat and she just started screaming. ‘Oh my God! Oh my God.’ When she said that, I happened to catch the impact point of the accident,” David Marflack Jr. told News 5.

Marflack Jr. said he then watched as Maty was struck by a vehicle.

“Steve was taken by surprise. [He] “It rolled over and was dragged about 22 meters,” he remembers.

Maty’s motorcycle was totaled. And Maty’s left leg was almost severed.

Marflack Jr. said he immediately called 911 and then jumped into action.

“Everything was in super slow motion, but I was moving as fast as I physically could,” Marflack Jr. added.

He said the 911 dispatcher asked him if he could tie something around Maty’s leg to stop the bleeding.

“I only wore shorts, a T-shirt and flip-flops. I noticed a passerby standing there. He was a well-dressed gentleman. I walked over to him, handed him my phone and said, “Give me your belt.” Then I ran to Steve to stop the bleeding. He was bleeding profusely,” Marflack Jr. explained.

Marflack Jr. wrapped Maty’s leg twice and “held him on for dear life.”

Brook Park Police dashcam footage provided to News 5 shows Marflack Jr. standing over Maty and keeping his hand on the wound as EMS and police arrive.

“What made you decide to save this guy?” I asked him.

“It wasn’t even a thought. I knew I was the one who had to do something because there were several spectators just staring and no one was doing anything. Based on my previous experiences, I knew I had to do something and that’s what I was going to do,” Marflack Jr. replied. “I was placed in the right place at the right time. I understood the task.”

Maty was abducted by EMS shortly afterwards.

His fiancée Michelle Hugo said she couldn’t believe the news.

“I was in shock the whole time. Even when I got to the hospital, I still wasn’t sure,” she said. “He was always our provider, our carer. He is kind and loving. I was just shocked.”

Hugo said she couldn’t imagine life without Maty.

Luckily he stays by her side, but the accident cost him part of his left leg.

“[It was] Painful to say the least,” Maty said. But in that moment of pain and fear, he said Marflack Jr. was a source of calm.

Maty added: “It’s absolutely amazing. It’s divine intervention, I would call it. I am grateful to him. It takes a special person to just jump into action and do something like that without hesitation.”

On Tuesday night, the Brook Park City Council honored Marflack Jr. with a Good Samaritan award at its monthly meeting.

City Council members and those who attended the October City Council meeting applauded Marflack Jr. for his heroic efforts.

“I am deeply blessed, honored and grateful. I didn’t want recognition or recognition. I did what I had to do,” Marflack Jr. explained.

Marflack Jr.’s daughter is 15^Th His birthday was Tuesday, and he said that made the award even more special.

“Happy birthday, Jocelyn!” he shouted.

Marflack Jr. told News 5 that this incident is the sixth time he has saved a person’s life, but it is the first one ever recognized.

“I hope that people treat each other with respect. That seems to be missing these days and don’t hesitate to help someone because you never know what they are going through. Just be kind to each other,” Marflack Jr. said.

Marflack Jr., Hugo and Maty are all friends now. Marflack Jr. said he is grateful for the two new relationships he has gained.