Tinley Teen Who Saved Mom Gifted A Car On Drew Barrymore Show

TINLEY PARK, IL — A Tinley Park teen who in October sprang into action to save the lives of her mother, herself and others on the roadway as her mother suffered a seizure was rewarded this week for her bravery.

Tinley Park High School sophomore Reaghan Monahan and her mother Liz were invited to appear on the Drew Barrymore Show, where Reaghan recounted the moment she realized that if she didn't do something while her mother seized behind the wheel, the outcome might be tragic.

"I was very, very terrified, and I realized that I had to do something very fast," Reaghan told Barrymore. "My dad passed away a few years ago, and I knew I could not lose my mom."

Reaghan was in the passenger seat en route home from a volleyball game on I-294 Oct. 13, when her mother Liz suffered a seizure. Her foot locked on the gas pedal, creating an emergency and moment of panic for the then 15-year-old, who was still learning to drive at the time. Reaghan acted fast, grabbing the steering wheel to right the car in traffic. She then reached over, slid the seat back and climbed on top of her mother to take control of the wheel and pedals. She flagged down a paramedic on the road, and navigated the car across traffic, to safety.

"I am very proud of myself, and just grateful that we're all okay," Reaghan told Barrymore. She noted she believed her father was there in spirit. "My dad was right there with us."

Liz Monahan appeared alongside her daughter, noting her admiration for her.

"It's very touching that she was so brave and be able to do that, and save us, as well as others on the road," Monahan said. "She's just a true hero, I'm very grateful she was able to spring into action, and be so brave."

The harrowing event didn't scare Reaghan off of driving—she's now a newly licensed driver.

As part of her holiday giveaway segment, Barrymore surprised the teen with the keys to a 2022 Jeep Compass, gifted by Bettenhausen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Tinley Park. Reaghan stopped into the dealership Thursday to pick up her new wheels.

"Yesterday Reaghan and her mother stopped by the Bettenhausen Auto dealership to pick up the keys to her 2022 Jeep Compass!" the dealership posted on social media. "The Bettenhausen family is very proud of Reaghan and happy to be just a small part of recognizing her amazing story!"