One father risked his own life to save the lives of his daughters.
On the morning of Dec. 15, Dave Miln, along with his wife Clare, took their two daughters, 3-year-old Isla and 1-year-old Anna, for ski lessons during a family trip at a ski resort in Northern California, according to People.
Suddenly, a motorized snow blower crashed into the family which prompted Miln to keep Anna “under his body” as he attempted to do the same with Isla, according to a GoFundMe page for the family.
Christina Ackerman, the assistant to the chief of the Mammoth Lakes Police Department, confirmed to People that officers responded to a call in the area near Mammoth Mountain, a popular ski area.
Father Loses Both Legs After He Throws Body Across Family to Save Them in Snow Blower Accident https://t.co/dszA1xqPjA
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Psalm 32:7 says, “You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
Anna was left unscathed by the accident, but Isla was significantly injured and “suffered breaks in both of her legs and her pelvis, as well as other wounds.” She was transferred to a local hospital.
Miln, however, was in the machine for over an hour before rescuers could free him. He managed to remain conscious “the entire time.”
He was admitted into a hospital and “medically transferred” to his hometown of Sydney, Australia. His heroic act resulted in him losing both of his legs. He had to undergo 10 surgeries and will need many more in the future.
Miln is an Australian Defence Force veteran, who had been living in San Diego, Calif.
Isla also has had multiple surgeries, but is expected to make a full recovery with no physical complications.
“Isla is still in her wheelchair but appears to be slowly getting back to her old self smiling more and asserting herself a little more. She is such a strong and brave girl,” according to GoFundMe organizer Tsen Bogan.
The fundraiser has reached over $70,000 “in helping the family adapt” to new challenges. This includes a modified wheelchair for Miln and other equipment to help him as he navigates life as a double amputee.