Patriots linebacker hailed as hero after saving woman pinned in car accident

By Kirsten Glavin

kglavin@abc6.com

@kirstenglavin

WALPOLE, MA –  A 3-vehicle accident Thursday, immediately caught the attention of New England Patriots linebacker, Darius Fleming.

"I noticed how the lady’s car was smoking – curious what she was doing – I figured she couldn’t get out,” said Fleming.

It happened on route one in Walpole near Gillette Stadium.  One car failed to slow down for a truck that was in the middle of making a right turn.  The result was a domino–effect that left one young woman pinned in her car.

"The entire front of the car was smashed – smoking a little bit. I was obviously at the time scared with carbon monoxide,” said the woman, who chose to remain unidentified.

That’s when 6 foot 2, 255lb Fleming, ran over to help.

"The doors wouldn’t open – got to get her out some way – what made me start kicking the window. She was kicking window I kicked. I pulled her out,” Fleming explained.

Fleming was wearing shorts, a Patriots hat and hoodie, when he kicked in the window and helped get her out of the smoky car.  She made it out without injury. Fleming had to get 22 stitches on his leg. The woman said she was extremely grateful for what he did.

"Thank you so much,” she added.