SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A woman who survived a serious crash on Route 58 in Suffolk in 2021 met her rescuers over the weekend.
Derby Brackett was flown to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital by Nightingale after the crash, which happened after her husband suffered a cardiac event behind the wheel. He was also taken to the hospital.
Their two dogs also survived.
On Sunday, Brackett, the CEO of the Virginia Beach SPCA, was able to say a much anticipated “thank you” to the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Team who responded to the crash.
Brackett lost her right arm above the elbow surgically and is now learning how to use a smart prosthesis. She also had several other injuries, including an infection from the ditch water the car ended up in.
Brackett says she’s grateful to be alive thanks to good Samaritans, Suffolk, and Chesapeake first responders, Nightingale and the trauma and rehab teams at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.