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Waynesburg nursing student hurt while helping crash victim talks to Channel 11

None — WAYNESBURG, Pa. -- A Waynesburg University nursing student hurt while attempting to help a person involved in a crash on Interstate 79 in Greene County last week was released from the hospital.

Cami Abernethy said she's overwhelmed with the amount of love and support she's receiving from family, friends and strangers.

Abernethy said she and another nursing student, Alyssa Boyle, stopped to help Derek Hartzog, who had fallen asleep at the wheel and flipped his car.

"He kicked the windshield out and everyone pulled him out and we pulled him to the side to make sure he was OK," Abernethy said.

Abernethy said while she and her fellow nursing students were helping Hartzog, she saw a tractor-trailer that wasn't stopping.

"I looked over and saw him coming right at me and the only thing I could do is jump over the banister and it ended up being a bridge," said Abernethy.

Abernethy fell 50 feet and landed in some bushes. She said she suffered major injuries in the fall, including breaking her back in three places.

"My head was to the sky and my back was to the ground. I didn't know when I was going to hit. I didn't know how high I was," said Abernethy.

Abernethy said Boyle, too, was seriously hurt, but has since been released from the hospital and is in a rehabilitation facility.

"I want me and Alyssa to be walking to the aisle receiving our diploma. The same way we started, I want to finish the same way," Abernethy said.

Abernethy said she plans on graduating in May.

Several fellow nursing students have set up fundraisers to help with Abernethy and Boyle's medical expenses.