Heroic Good Samaritan Rescues Teen from Terrifying SR 347 Double Rollover Crash

A Santa Rosa Springs teenager narrowly escaped serious injury following a dramatic double rollover crash on State Route 347 last Tuesday night. Griffin Ellis, 19, was involved in the collision after being rear-ended in what appears to be a hit-and-run incident.

Ellis’s white Honda sedan was hit on the rear passenger side, causing the vehicle to overturn. Trapped upside down in his car, he dangled precariously under his seatbelt and airbags while traffic continued to flow around him, as reported by his mother, Sara Ellis.

Fortunately, a pair of Good Samaritans stopped their vehicle, pried open the passenger door, and pulled Ellis to safety. Less than a minute later, the scene turned chaotic again when another vehicle struck the overturned car, running over the foot of one of the rescuers.

“We are hoping to find that couple to say thank you,” Sara remarked. “We are so grateful to them.”

Griffin, a local pizzeria employee and former Desert Sunrise High School student, was transported to a nearby hospital. He sustained only minor injuries, which included scrapes and general soreness, but his car was utterly wrecked.

Witness Chris Lee shared his thoughts on social media. “I’m sorry you had to go through this,” he wrote. “You’re alive, though. Second chances are amazing. Don’t squander it.”

The couple who assisted Ellis left before anyone could collect their information. The Arizona Department of Public Safety is currently investigating the incident.

Sara expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thankful for God, airbags, and the seatbelt.” She added, “This has given us a renewed faith in God. He has something greater for Griff.”

Lee concluded his post with a cautionary message for drivers, emphasizing the need for safer behavior on the often dangerous roadway. “After tonight, it’s time to do better,” he urged.