The good Samaritan truckie who helped a young boy suffering dehydration in last week’s searing heat, has been found.
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Debra Tropea and her son Cruz, from Towradgi, were stuck in a traffic jam after an accident at Bulli Tops last Friday when Cruz became seriously dehydrated.
With no water in the car and little shade, Ms Tropea was helped by a truck driver who offered the boy a cool drink, some fruit, and a lie down in his truck bed.
Ms Tropea’s Facebook post calling for information on the driver has received 35,000 shares since Sunday.
After a report on the massive response to Ms Tropea’s quest, the Mercury was contacted by numerous people who knew the driver.
Phil Berger, a Tuross Heads-based driver with Kerin Kay Transport, is the man responsible.
Mr Berger was back on the road on Thursday, but pulled over to talk about the touching act that reached thousands around the world.
‘‘I was sitting in traffic, listening to the radio, and saw Debra get out of the car and put Cruz under a tree,’’ Mr Berger said.
‘‘I went over and saw him going very red. I asked if they wanted to sit in the truck, it was cooler.’’
Laying Cruz on the bed in his cabin, and feeding him cold grapes and water, Mr Berger said he simply wanted the boy to get better.
‘‘We were so focused on him, that’s why we didn’t exchange details,’’ he said.
On Sunday, Ms Tropea posted her Facebook status and Mr Berger’s phone began ringing with friends telling him he was fast becoming the most widely seen truckie in the region. Thousands of people across the Illawarra and the world have read about and praised Mr Berger’s good deeds, but he was surprised by all the attention.
‘‘Anybody would do this. People say not everyone would, but I think most people help others if they can,’’ he said.
‘‘It could have been much worse. I’m glad I could help.’’
Ms Tropea has now been put in touch with Mr Berger.