Truckload Carriers Association Named Two Highway Angels
Brian Koppenhaver and Gabriel Popa were recognized for their life-saving actions during recent highway accidents.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Emergency Response
The Truckload Carriers Association has officially named Brian Koppenhaver and Gabriel Popa as Highway Angels for their quick responses to serious crashes. Both men acted decisively to assist victims in the immediate aftermath of highway collisions.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the vital role professional truck drivers often play as first responders when accidents occur on remote or busy stretches of the nation's roadways.
Brian Koppenhaver provided aid during a July 30 crash on Interstate 70, while Gabriel Popa responded to a February 28 collision on U.S. 93.
The players
Truckload Carriers Association
This trade association represents the interests of truckload carriers and honors drivers through its Highway Angel program.
Brian Koppenhaver
He is a professional driver recognized for providing emergency medical assistance at the site of a severe accident.
Gabriel Popa
He is a professional driver honored for his quick thinking and rescue of a colleague from a vehicle collision.
Nahum Camacho
He is a professional driver who was rescued from his vehicle following a head-on collision on U.S. 93.
The details
Koppenhaver entered a damaged vehicle near West Jefferson, Ohio, to perform a sternum rub on a passenger who lost both legs. Popa assessed a burning scene near Rogerson, Idaho, to safely extract his mentor, Nahum Camacho, from a vehicle struck by an impaired driver.
Timeline
February 28: Gabriel Popa rescued his mentor after a collision.
July 30: Brian Koppenhaver assisted after a crash.
Seasonal Patterns
The recognition follows a long-standing industry precedent set by the Highway Angel program to honor driver heroism. These awards maintain the program's tradition of highlighting how commercial operators frequently act as unplanned emergency responders on national highways.
Motorists encountering a collision should immediately call 911 to provide precise location data to dispatchers. If a professional driver is already providing aid, remain clear of the scene to ensure emergency vehicles can access the wreckage.
The takeaway
These incidents serve as a reminder that road safety is a collective responsibility shared by all drivers. Being prepared to contact emergency services quickly can make a significant difference in outcome when accidents occur.
Further reading
Learn more about how professionals manage Emergency Response protocols on national highways.
