There’s nothing like the father-son relationship. Parents will appreciate their child’s affection and what they are trying to do with their son or daughter. Some parents give it up for their child, and we see it all over. If it takes the kids extra early to go to school or have a meal that meets the needs of both, parents give their life to their children. This dad was no exception to the law. If it was fatherly instincts or simply out of actual concern, this father was doing something unbelievable. He did the exceptional.
This Father Did Everything To Look For His Son That Was Gone Missing In The Middle Of The Road
Putting Children First
Any parents pause their entire lives to concentrate on their children to waste all their time in terror that their children are at risk. Tony Lethbridge, a dad from Australia, did just the same as he heard that his son was missing on January 16, 2018. He surpassed all expectations for typical parenthood and transformed our view of “putting your child first.”
Putting Children First
Just An Average Day
It started in New South Wales, Australia, just like every other day. Tony Lethbridge and his 17-year-old son Samuel lived in a little town called Lake Macquarie and spent most of their time eight miles from Sydney. Samuel decided to go to a party in Sydney and never expected his life to be endangered.
Just An Average Day
Something Was Off
Tony had not heard a word from his son at the end of the night, and he knew something was wrong. While teenagers sometimes forget to tell their parents that after a big night, they’re back home safely, Samuel doesn’t necessarily have to do it. Tony realized that Samuel could just have fallen asleep at a friend or forgotten to charge his phone, but he couldn’t help feeling that something was wrong.
Something Was Off
The Typical Parent Reaction
Parents can flip out when they don’t get a call from their children after a night out. As children, with more than 10 missed calls from our mom or dad, we all know what it’s like to wake up. While his mind went in so many different directions, he hoped that Tony was exaggerating. While he hoped that Samuel would just come through the door, without a word, 20 hours passed by. It was clear at this stage that there was something wrong.
The Typical Parent Reaction
His Mind Went To The Worst Place
Tony didn’t sleep the whole night and was told that Samuel was a little too far away and failed to tell his dad. This scenario was less possible as Sunday night arrived. Tony wanted to stay another night before stressing out completely. He woke up Monday morning, though, and his son was still unknown.
His Mind Went To The Worst Place
Wild Child
Tony’s been too hopeless about what to do. He consulted his friends and relatives, who presumably claimed that he got abroad. Tony and Samuel were really similar, and he understood that this was not Samuel’s usual. Tony was sure that Samuel wouldn’t email his parents simply because he didn’t have access to it. He was positive that Samuel wanted his assistance and that he was willing to locate him.
Wild Child
Past Trauma
There have been so many traumatic stories about people trapped in a horrible car crash, and Tony can only worry about them. Tony was haunted by a story he had just read of a victim left and died after five days. There was no hope that he would let his son do anything like this. He was panicking yet he realized it was too soon to contact the cops, yet he lodged a missing person’s report as soon as he was conscious.
Past Trauma
The Waiting Game
Police started the hunt and told Tony and his wife to go home and wait for something to hear. He knew the search would take some time, but he was waiting impatiently while his son was in danger. He didn’t want to wait for the worst, but Samuel could only be imagined in a tragic car crash. He decided it was time to get his own hands on the case.
The Waiting Game
Calling For Help
Tony had a scheme to ensure that he would meet Samuel. He couldn’t do it on his own, so he called Michael his brother to support him. Michael wanted no persuasion and was happy to do whatever he could to help Tony to learn Samuel. You know that this scheme would not be inexpensive so that you hurried to the ATM before you got to the airport.
Calling For Help
A Special Favor
Tony and his brother got money in hand at Lake Macquarie Airport to meet Lee Mitchell, who was a retired pilot and helicopter rental company owner. Tony told Lee his notion that he was searching for a helicopter. He gave him $1000, and Lee accepted to support and decreased his income.
A Special Favor
Refusing Pay
“When Tony first went to the office, our CEO was not here, so our workers provided the facilities for the $1,000 that we promised and began the helicopter in good conscience, without charge,” said Director Lee Mitchell. However, after the ordeal had been saying and ended, Lee realized he was not going to keep the money. “We think there has been ample burden on the family under the circumstances and that there is no reason for any further financial stress,” Mr Mitchell said.
Refusing Pay
One Great Uncle
The owner of the helicopter was not the only one who saved the day and backed Tony’s mission. As Tony was prone to air disease and was deeply afraid of heights, his brother accompanied him on his tour.
One Great Uncle
Down Below
During the hunt, Tony was highly depressed because he had no control over what was happening. He sought to be optimistic about Lee and his brother meeting Samuel, but he was not unaware of what was going to happen. He wished that without his son, they would not return.
Down Below
The Anticipation
Time was running out, and Tony was no longer able to manage the tension. He had no way to reach them and felt bad not to be in the air. He thought it was correct to remain, but he also felt sick to his stomach.
The Anticipation
After Fifteen Minutes
Michael and Lee needed to locate Samuel so badly. They searched about, trying to locate something that might take them to Samuel. They were afraid that they would notice nothing but that they found something after fifteen minutes. They weren’t sure that they’d be improved by it.
After Fifteen Minutes
There’s Hope
The men found Samuel’s car situated in the vicinity of PCH, near Crangan Bay. They didn’t know if Michael was alive, but they now found a vehicle. In a later interview, Michael acknowledged that looking for a car would not have been successful.
There’s Hope
The News
Tony awaited madly for something to hear until suddenly they called him to locate Samuel’s car. He traveled straight to the location where the car was discovered. They couldn’t see if anyone was inside the car, so they had to be more sure. Michael got out of the scene almost 50 meters, and Lee remained in the helicopter above.
The News
Emotional Rollercoaster
It just makes sense for Tony not to relax until he meets his son and makes sure he’s safe. But things weren’t that convenient. “When we started looking, the rollercoaster of feelings was apparent to the family and overdriven until we found the car,” explained Mr Mitchell. After the car was discovered, the real tension continued.
Emotional Rollercoaster
Staying Optimistic
As Michael began to be nervous about finding the answer, he was getting closer to Samuel’s car. He began to yell the name of his nephew, but he heard no response. He was frightened of what he might discover at that moment. He saw Samuel’s head shift gently and felt soothed. He called Tony to inform him that his son was alive and went to check if Samuel was all right.
Staying Optimistic
His Situation
Tony was glad that Samuel was still breathing, but it wasn’t entirely clear. He was in poor health, and he was in a collision 20 yards away from his home. Samuel had extreme pneumonia, fatal burns and extreme thigh bone fractures, which stuck out of his clothes. It was obvious that he had to see a doctor immediately.
His Situation
Ultimate Relief
Lee joined in the excitement that Tony and Michael shared when the car was found. More than that, when they found Sam breathing. “We were clearly ecstatic when the signal from the ground was that Sam is still alive even though we did not know his status. We were very grateful enough to be able to support this family when it was in need and look forward to seeing Sam whenever he is good enough.”
Ultimate Relief
Wasn’t Going To Be Easy
Samuel made a slight movement of the head which gave a positive indication. They quickly called an ambulance, and it was obvious that getting Samuel away from the car would be a struggle. They cut down the car to get it out but succeeded.
Wasn’t Going To Be Easy
To The Hospital
After Samuel was carried away by the ambulance squad, they took him to John Hunter Hospital, treated him and referred him for intensive therapy for his operations. Good thing they saw him before the worst thing happened
To The Hospital
The Road To Recovery
Tony talked to a news agency just after his son was identified. He updated them that Sam was discharged from intensive care and his health progressed steadily. He had a successful operation on his shoulder. Next, he had to get his broken leg surgery.
The Road To Recovery
Medical Expenses
“We understand that there will be a lot of medical costs for the family in the future and that we want to help where we can.” It’s so pleasant to know that there are people who truly care about others and their well-being. It gives us true optimism. Of course, there was no amount of money equal to Sam, who was found alive. We are positive the whole thing for the boy’s dad was more than traumatic.
Medical Expenses
Grateful
Since Samuel safely carried him, Tony realized he had to do something. He and his wife Lee Mitchell offered him and his wife $1000 to locate their son. Though he declined the money at first, Tony now insisted he found his son.
Grateful
Successful Mission
Lee declined the money despite his efforts and explained how pleased he was that the task worked out. He also understood that the family would have a lot to invest, and he tried to help in whatever way he could. This strategy could not have been so successful if Tony, Michael and Lee had not worked brilliantly together.
A Touching Tribute
As Samuel recovered, his sister Megan paid the helicopter firm a Facebook tribute to express her appreciation. She wrote: “Just wanted to let everyone know as if skyline aviation hasn’t done enough for my brother and family, they have refunded the $1000 to my family for the flight to find my brother,” she said.” It’s impossible to imagine that such great people are still in this universe. Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
A Touching Tribute
But How Did He Know?
I am sure that many people, after reading this story, will ask how Samuel’s father “knew” where to find him? I don’t think anyone would have come up with the notion of renting a helicopter, except the dad of Samuel. And there is an explanation behind both of them, so Samuel’s father, for an explanation, had a hunch that his son could be hurt in the middle of nowhere or trouble.
But How Did He Know?
Aftermath
Why would the dad rent a helicopter to hunt for the place in which his son was found? Well, in the middle of all of the uncertainty, stress and anxieties, a bulb lit up in the head of Tony when he recalled that a crash had happened there, that the victim was found dead five days later. “I’m not going to let that happen,” pledged Tonny.
Aftermath
Dad Saves Son
Having been stuck in a wrecked car for 30 hours, Sam was rescued by his dad, who had rented a helicopter to find him. He was rushed to the hospital shortly after the ambulance arrived and saw how badly he was wounded. One of the injuries he sustained was a bone from his hip, one of the evidence that the car crash must have been really severe.
Dad Saves Son
First Words
After something as devastating as a car crash, it makes only sense for someone to say something serious later. They had some time to think about their lives and think deeply about it. Samuel’s been stuck in that car for nearly 30 hours, so obviously he had a lot in mind. The first words of Samuel to his father were: “I would love to drink.” “It was the only words he spoke,” said Mr Lethbridge.
First Words
Good, Tough Kid
Samuel’s father described him as “a strong, tough and fit boy.” In reality, he plays in a local soccer under-19 competition for the Belmont-Swansea Football Club. Sam had only begun an electric apprenticeship days ago, but clearly, it would have to be left until he recovered. “When I came down to the car, he spoke to me,” said Mr Lethbridge. “I took him, and I said, “Dad’s got you.'”
Good, Tough Kid
Road To Recovery Takes Long
Naturally, after having been stuck in a car for too long with those injuries, Sam lost consciousness. After he was taken care of, and Sam was healthy, his consciousness returned, but he was still unable to get out of his bed. The first time he tried to walk, or even step was in the hospital just three weeks later. But again he was so lucky that when he did, he was noticed by his dad
Son Ignores Dad Is A Hero
Sam could only walk there weeks after she was strapped into a bed for more than three weeks. He started to speak and say a few words at the same time. Three weeks after the crash, nobody spoke about it with Sam. He was not told yet how long his father was going to save his son: pay $1,000 to carry out an aerial study.
Son Ignores Dad Is A Hero
Why Would No One Tell Him Anything?
It’s natural not to know exactly what happened or how he/she ended up in a hospital after an accident. But you can quickly get overwhelmed, worried and panicked after experiencing a near-death experience. None of these factors/emotions is ideal in an accident. The most important thing is not to pressure or stress the patient and allow them to recover completely without any worries.
Why Would No One Tell Him Anything?
No Connection To The Outside World
They all denied him access to his phone or any other gadget with access to the internet, as the best father that Tony proved to be and the good care the doctors took of Sam, so he would not see the newspapers, stories, and what was being said about the accident. After his near brush with death, the last thing that Sam wanted was to feel exhausted or suffocated.
No Connection To The Outside World
Injuries
It couldn’t come as a surprise that Sam would have multiple injuries after being stuck in a wrecked vehicle for 30 hours and nobody to take care of him, 17 to be exact. Let us note that he actually died in a fatal crash like that. He has sustained three fractures to his spine, three fractures to his shoulder, and a dislocated elbow in addition to suffering from a fracture in his thighbone. Three weeks after the injury, he took his first steps.
Spotting The Sinister
Samuel’s father, Tony, determined, following his gut, to take the matter into his own hands and rent a chopper with his $1000 cash. He looked all over the earth and was disappointed with the hunt, so at that moment, attempting by air was his last chance. After finding his son, his words were as follows: “If the helicopter had not hovered above, I would never have seen him, for I could not see him from the lane.”
What Allegedly Occurred
Tony’s first estimate was that the vehicle was driving at a speed of about 80 kph when it deviated from the lane, after closely observing the region of the crash and the circumstance of the vehicle. They assume that after this one flipped, bounced and eventually settled on its feet, the vehicle struck a concrete pole that shattered the driver’s door and demolished the automobile. To set Samuel free, the emergency services had to smash open the car.
What Allegedly Occurred
Operation Getting Helicopter
Tony went to the airport with his 1000 dollars, trying to get a helicopter. Provided that the company’s CEO was not there, the workers decide to provide Tony with their services for as long as possible and for the price that the father of Samuel was able to pay. The workers agreed to fire the helicopter without delay to do their best to locate the 17-year-old boy who had been missing for a couple of days.
Operation Getting Helicopter
There Are Good People In This World
His parents returned to the airport to pay for the company’s facilities after Sam was evacuated and safe in the hospital. The firm, however, agreed to return the money to the family a few days later. They said that they had already been under enough pressure and that the last thing they wanted was economic problems. They decided to help offset the treatment bills that were undoubtedly going to be costly, too.
Raising Money
To take care of all his medical bills, Sam’s family wanted financial support. By asking people if they could make small contributions to help them get through these tough emotional and financial times, they managed to collect cash. When has he been doing this? Sam Lethbridge’s journey to redemption by developing a movement. Fortunately, many individuals assisted and helped them with their cause.
Raising Money
What’s Next?
Sam intimately begins the journey to rehabilitation following his injury. It may take him years to recover completely from his injury, as is normal, after the horrific accident he had. After three weeks, he continued with tiny steps that were already quick and amazing. As his father said, “He’s a tough boy,” he began talking again at the same time and, luckily, got on the right road to a stable recovery.
What’s Next?
Happy Ending
We’re glad to hear that things are going better for Sam and his dad, considering the terrible experience the entire family has been through. Thankfully, because he had been so hurt, he made a complete recovery. Fortunately, the family will bring this ordeal into the background now and move on.
Happy Ending
Not All Heroes Wear Capes
We learn from this intense tale that the passion parents shave for their children will overcome them all and that nothing bad can ever happen to them when they are in their custody. In such difficult times, Tony proved to be so courageous and full of promise. It can be beneficial for the police and other investigating agencies, but what is obvious is that parents have an extra intuition that binds them to their children.
Not All Heroes Wear Capes