Portsmouth, VA — For firefighter Mark Reynolds, each emergency call represents a race against time. However, nothing could have prepared him for the shock of arriving at a car accident scene only to find that one of the victims was his own wife.

It was an ordinary Thursday evening when the alarm rang at Station 17. A multi-vehicle accident had been reported on the interstate, with injuries involved. Reynolds, a seasoned 12-year veteran of the department, donned his gear without a moment’s hesitation, oblivious to the fact that this call would alter his life forever.

The Call No First Responder Wishes to Experience

Upon Engine 17’s arrival at the scene, Reynolds and his team promptly evaluated the wreckage. Two vehicles had collided head-on, while a third had swerved to avoid the impact, crashing into the guardrail. The firefighters acted swiftly, stabilizing the vehicles and rescuing the injured.

Then, as Reynolds neared one of the overturned cars, he noticed something that sent chills down his spine—a recognizable pendant hanging from the rearview mirror. It was the silver heart necklace he had gifted to his wife, Lisa, for their anniversary.

“I recall freezing for a moment,” Reynolds later shared, his voice trembling. “I kept repeating to myself, It can’t be her. It can’t be. But then I saw her hand, and I knew.”