Port Lincoln man heralded as hero after saving 4yo from car crash

A 20-year-old man has been praised for his quick thinking after he prevented a potentially tragic road incident involving a four-year-old boy – before heading back to work moments later.

A 20-year-old Intersport worker who put his own life at risk to rescue a four-year-old boy from oncoming traffic has been hailed a hero in his hometown.

At 1.20pm last Friday, Hannah Stanley’s worst nightmare almost unfolded when her son let go of her hand and ran straight into the path of a four-wheel drive on Liverpool Street in Port Lincoln.

That’s when “without hesitation” 20-year old Ty Robertson ran onto the road and picked up the boy before returning him safely to his mother.

Ms Stanley was in so much shock that she forgot to ask Mr Robertson for his name and later took to Facebook in an effort to thank him.

All in a days work: Ty Robertson went straight back to his job at Intersport Port Lincoln after his roadside heroics. Picture: Supplied.

“You not only saved my son’s life, you risked your own life to save my son,” Ms Stanley said.

“To think you would put yourself in harm’s way to protect my son says a lot about you.

“We love you for being there and are so thankful, I can’t ever begin to repay you.”

Mr Robertson said “instinct just took over”, when he saw the boy break free from his mother as he was returning from his lunch break to his job at Intersport Port Lincoln, across the road from where the incident occurred.

“I heard her (Ms Stanley) scream and saw that her child had run onto the road,” Mr Robertson said.

A four-weel drive towing a trailer was heading down Liverpool Street when Mr Robertson sprang to action. Picture: Supplied

“Working on the street I see trucks speeding past everyday and knew I had to act fast.

“I didn’t even think – the instinct just kicked in.”

Mr Robertson said he felt an immediate connection to the boy, having experienced his own personal tragedy at a young age.

“My mother passed away when I was four, the exact same age as the little boy,” he said.

“One thing that my mother instilled into me was to always help someone in need if you can.

Ty Robertson didn't hesitate to act in the crucial seconds after a young boy broke free from his mother and ran into oncoming traffic. Picture: Supplied.

“I saw a bit of myself in him, scared, alone and needing help like I was at his age.”

Mr Robertson’s act of bravery won him praise from the Port Lincoln community online.

“You’re a hero for keeping this little boy from getting ran over, glad the both of you are safe,” Carol Grillet said on Facebook.

“Well done young man very selfless and thoughtful, hard to find these days,” Phil Whitaker said.

“Nice to see decent young people still exist,” Trish Pruid said.