Man Sacrifices Life to Save Wife and Unborn Child

Brian Wood took the full impact of a car crash, sacrificing himself to save his pregnant wife, Erin.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on September 14 2010

Brian and Erin Wood, a couple from Vancouver, were expecting their first child next month. But while driving in Whitbey Island in Washington on September 3rd, tragedy struck: an oncoming car veered into their lane, heading directly into their path.

Brian, the driver, only had a split second to make a choice. But he instantly spun the wheel to the right, so that he would take the full force of the car’s impact. He must have known that the collision would kill him—but his first instinct was to protect his wife and unborn baby.

Fortunately, Brian’s selfless decision meant that Erin survived, bearing only a few bruises. Doctors say that the baby is doing fine, too—even though he’ll never have the chance to meet his father.

“It breaks my heart and it also fills me with gratefulness,” Erin told the Today Show, her eyes filled with tears.

Although it was obviously difficult for her to talk about the husband that she had just lost, she wanted her story to serve as a message to others. She said she wished she could have the chance to hug Brian just one more time, and that she hoped those who heard her story would show their love for the people they cared about.

“If that acts as a reminder to everyone to do that to the people they’re blessed to have in their lives, that’s my hope.”

Watch the moving video of Erin and Brian’s story.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Filed under: Heroes,

Liked this? You'll love these, too:

A Fallen Soldier’s Last Gift: Bruce Hays and the Apache Project

After soldier Bruce Hays died in Afghanistan, his Wisconsin neighbors worked to restore an old truck that he'd promised to his wife Terry. Read More
10 Animal Heroes from History: Cher Ami, 9/11 Nikie and More

A carrier pigeon, a Golden Retriever dog, a Shih Tzu, a cow and a goat are a few amazing animals who've saved the lives of humans. Read More
5 More Life-Saving Animals: Filippo the Dolphin, Binti Jua the Gorilla, and More

A continuation of our story on 10 animals who've rescued their human friends. Read More
Janitor Rescues Failing Business, Now Is Co-Owner

Tony Lee, who worked as a janitor at car parts company Ring Masters in Massillon, Ohio, came up with a business plan to save the company, which is now profitable. Read More
Missing Conne Family Found After 6 Days Lost in Oregon Woods

After going missing for nearly a week in Oregon's Klamath Mountains, the Conne family was alive and well. Read More