Man Who Jumped Guardrail To Save A Stranger Finally Heads Home

Some heroes wear capes; others wear uniforms. And some are just ordinary Joes, or in this case, Scotts. We're happy to say this hero went home today, and we couldn't be happier for him.

Scott Thibodeau, Scott's Road To Recovery via Facebook

It was the end of March when a 54-year-old father, Scott Thibodeau, and his wife were on their way back home to Medford from a family vacation. The couple was traveling along the interstate in a snowstorm, in the area of Veazie, when they noticed another driver in distress.

The motorist, a young woman of 18, had gone off the road in the storm, and Thibodeau wasn't about to leave her there alone.

As he was attempting to help her, another driver lost control of their vehicle and headed straight towards the two. That's when sources say "Thibodeau jumped the guardrail and turned his back to shield the young woman...absorbing the impact and likely saving her life."

The impact left this family man with critical injuries, as he was transported to the hospital by first responders.

According to the Scott's Road To Recovery Facebook Page, a social media account his family set up so his friends, neighbors, and community members could stay informed of Thibodeau's condition, he was given a 20 percent chance to live.

Word of the man's brave actions spread, and over 3,000 people began to support and encourage him online and in person. Each milestone he made was celebrated.

He spent over a month in the hospital, enduring several surgeries. After 40 days, he was moved to the Brewer Center for Health and Rehab facility for an extended rehabilitation stay.

“Scott’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can happen when determination, compassionate care, and community come together,” said Jessica Porter, Administrator at Brewer Center for Health and Rehabilitation. “We are grateful to have been part of his recovery journey and to have witnessed the incredible support and encouragement that surrounded him every step of the way.”

Four months later, this local hero has finally been cleared to go home. The folks at Brewer Center For Health and Rehab documented his release from care, as he said his goodbyes and made his way out the door.

"While the Brewer Center community is thrilled to see Scott return home, he will be deeply missed. His kindness, positivity, and connections with residents and team members made a lasting impact."

As Thibodeau made his way home in style this week, he had an EMS escort, complete with fans lining both sides of the street, cheering and waving as Thibodeau rode on a side-by-side through town.

He was visibly moved by those who came out to thank and support him for his act of bravery and how he battled back against the odds.

Paige Thibodeau, Scott's eldest daughter, says the family is so happy to have him back home.

"This journey has been unimaginably difficult and long, but he has overcome so much since the accident in March. We finally were able to watch him grow stronger each day at rehab, unlike the first few months of the scary surgeries and hospital stay. It has been traumatic for our family, but we have all stuck together, and the love our family shares is what helped us through."

"I also can’t forget to mention the community and great support his story has brought as well, from people our family knows to complete strangers who have followed along and encouraged him the entire way. It has been a scary journey with a lot of unknowns, but today we got to bring him home! "

"Today meant more to our family than words can explain. There were so many days that we feared he may never come home, but he defied the odds and is still pushing himself to get even stronger, a testament to his character. We are overjoyed and blessed to say the least!"

While he still has a long road to recovery ahead of him, here's hoping his return home to his wife, kids, and grandkids will help speed Thibodeau's healing and allow him to get back to doing what he loves.

We're rooting for you, Scott! Keep up the good work and keep healing.