Aurora Petrovich rush to her husband's aid after witnessing him crash. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
Troy Petrovich has been riding a motorcycle for more than 20 years and his brothers say he was a safe driver, but when he flipped off of his bike over the weekend, it was his wife who saved his life.
"I went on autopilot," said Aurora Petrovich. "My husband became a patient, and the neurosurgeon tells me that made the difference."
She's a paramedic Downriver. She was following her husband home after a motorcycle event last weekend and it's a good thing she was.
"He hit the wall and I had the unfortunate privilege to respond to my own husband."
Doctors said Petrovich would never be the same, that's if he woke up from his coma. He was not wearing a helmet. His family says that was his choice.
"The helmet would not have made a difference. His head actually didn't strike anything. That doesn't make it okay to not wear a helmet. He wears his helmet. It's a personal choice, and let's not make this a helmet agenda because my husband is a critical care paramedic and, yes, he knows better."
Petrovich crashed near Southfield Freeway and Outer Drive. According to MichiganAuto.com, 107 motorcycle crashes were reported the first month after Michigan repealed its helmet law, and of the four fatal crashes the first month, three riders were not wearing helmets.
Thankfully, Petrovich will recover. He opened his eyes and gave a thumbs up on Tuesday, but medical bills are piling up. He has five children to support, but for now his kids are just glad he's alive.
"I'm going to tell him what a stubborn butt head he is, that Michigan passed the law and he said, oh, I don't have to wear my helmet now. We all told him over and over we don't care that you don't have to, we want you to," said Sean Petrovich.
The family is planning a fundraiser at the Sherwood Brewery in Shelby Township on Thursday starting at 7:00 p.m. Click here for more information »
Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:12:58 GMT
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:29 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:29:22 GMT
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:28:22 GMT
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:48:50 GMT
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction.
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction two months ago on corruption charges.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:59 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:59:53 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:58:41 GMT
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
Aurora Petrovich rush to her husband's aid after witnessing him crash. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
