WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A South Florida family is heartbroken and searching for a good Samaritan who helped their loved one in his time of need.
Last Friday, 44-year-old Michael Ackeridge was driving for Lyft for the very first time when he suffered a heart attack around 10:30 p.m. in West Palm Beach.
According to Ackeridge’s fiancée, a passenger in the vehicle called 911 when he saw Michael in distress.
"He said within a minute or two of pulling over, (Michael) stopped breathing and basically just collapsed," said Justine Weber.
Paramedics rushed out and took Ackeridge to Good Samaritan Medical Center.
The passenger then parked Michael’s car at a safe location, put his wallet in the trunk for safe keeping, and used Ackeridge’s phone to call Michael’s fiancée. The passenger let Weber know what had happened and where Michael was.
"Not many people these days would've done the same thing," said Weber. "He took time out of his life and his night to help a perfect stranger."
Tragically, Ackeridge passed away from his heart attack, leaving behind three children with Weber.
During the shock of the moment, Weber said she didn’t get the passenger's information. She’s now hoping someone knows who he is so she can meet him and personally thank him for his graciousness.
"I would like closure to know exactly what happened," said Weber. "I want to thank him for everything he did for us."
If you know who that good Samaritan is, contact WPTV's Chris Gilmore on Twitter at @thechrisgilmore.
Weber said her family is struggling with funeral expenses and other costs. To donate to the family's GoFundMe page, click here.