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Robert Reckart, 53, was traveling east on I-69 when his SUV left the right side of the roadway near mile marker 156. It overturned and then righted.

Davenport University nursing student Kristy Stoutenburg, 29, of Capac, happened to be driving by around 10:35 p.m., on her way home from clinical studies in Saginaw.

"I saw the Blazer on the side of the road, and I wondered if anyone was in there," Stoutenburg said. "I saw two dogs on the side of the road and debris was scattered everywhere. Of course my cell phone happened to be dead."

Stoutenburg tried to flag down assistance from other motorists and three vehicles ignored her pleas; they passed by without stopping. A man who pulled over happened to be a physician's assistant.

"I only got his first name. It was Eugene," Stoutenburg said.

Reckart wasn't breathing and Stoutenburg and Eugene performed CPR. The two kept him talking as troopers Jason Mercier and Scott Reynolds arrived. Reckart again stopped breathing and lost his pulse. Mercier and Reynolds, assisted by Stoutenburg and Eugene, began CPR immediately. Following their life saving efforts, he regained a pulse and shallow breathing.

Lapeer County EMS transported Reckart to Lapeer Regional Medical Center where he was airlifted by Life Flight to Hurley Medical Center in Flint. Reynolds and Mercier were also assisted at the accident scene by Michigan State Police motor carrier officer Jeff Boller and troopers Jim Shaw and Ted Stone. Alcohol or speed do not appear to be factors in the crash.

Reckart's SUV was pulling a trailer containing five Labrador Retriever dogs. One died at the scene and the other four are being cared for at the shelter, said Lapeer County Animal Control Chief Walt Rodabaugh. It's not known if Reckart owned the dogs or was transporting them for someone else.

At press time, Reckart remained in critical condition. The Good Samaritans played a vital role in his survival, said Sgt. Joe VanderMeulen.

"They're to be commended for stopping and helping," said Sgt. Joe VanderMeulen. "It's unfortunate that not everyone does."

Susan Younger may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com