San Antonio — SAN ANTONIO — A terrifying moment on a busy highway turned into a life-saving act of courage — all caught on camera.
New details are emerging about a dramatic incident in early March along Loop 410 near Harry Wurzbach, where a driver lost control of his SUV after suffering a heart attack.
Video shows the vehicle swerving across lanes of traffic, narrowly avoiding other drivers, including an 18-wheeler. Moments later, the SUV crashes into a concrete barrier — then rebounds back into moving traffic.
Witnesses quickly realized something was wrong.
“Oh no! No! No! Somebody needs to stop him,” one person can be heard saying in the video.
That’s when one man made a split-second decision that likely saved a life.
His name is Rene Villarreal. He’s a 29-year-old welding and construction business owner who lives on the Northeast Side.
Villarreal says he positioned his pickup truck in front of the out-of-control SUV and slammed on his brakes, forcing the vehicle to stop.
“I just acted off instinct,” Villarreal said. “It was too fast to really process. I’m shocked.”
A nurse who witnessed the incident pulled over and began CPR. Paramedics arrived within 15 minutes.
The driver — identified only as Ben for privacy reasons — had suffered a heart attack caused by 100 percent blockage. He spent six days in the hospital.
His family says he is alive today because of Villarreal’s actions.
To thank him, they reached out to FOX SA’s Cash for Kindness.
During a surprise presentation, Villarreal was awarded $1,000, sponsored by Manuel and Sons A/C and Heating.
“Man, I feel good. It feels great,” he said.
Despite the attention, Villarreal remains humble — still processing what happened that day.
“Ben, I hope you’re doing good, man,” he said. “I faced it that day, and I’m glad you’re alright.”
What started as chaos on a crowded highway ended with a stranger stepping in — and a life saved.
Click here to nominate someone for the $1,000 Cash for Kindness prize