Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


A Deerfield Township man is being hailed a hero following an incident early Sunday morning in which he likely saved another man’s life.

21-year-old Adam Parzuchowski was headed to work and traveling eastbound on Clyde Road just past Munson Road at around 5:15am when he came across a big tree in the road. He went around it but then looked in the rearview mirror and noticed tail lights so he turned back around.

Parzuchowski walked up to the vehicle, which was starting to smoke, and found the driver unconscious and unresponsive. He tried pounding on the window to wake him up but couldn’t so he went to his vehicle and got a tool to break out the window and cut the man out of his seatbelt. Parzuchowski was able to drag him out of the vehicle right before it became engulfed in flames. He called 911 and then went on his way to work.

John Parzuchowski told WHMI he couldn’t be prouder of his son for saving that man’s life. From what he knows, the man was hospitalized and was believed to be ok and may have fell asleep. Parzuchowski believes his son was the man’s “angel” – saying another minute and it would have been much different story.

Parzuchowski said his son, who just celebrated his birthday on Monday, is an Eagle Scout from St. Augustine Church and a Knights of Columbus member, and has been involved in scouting for around 18 years. He said it’s a testament to what the scouting program teaches young men – to take action and be responsible in stressful situations where other people might freak out or run away. Parzuchowski said it’s challenging to get kids involved in the program now but it’s worth it and “builds character and good, solid citizens”.