Man recovering 2 years after he was pronounced dead at I-75 crash scene

A man is continuing his recovery two years after he was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash on Interstate 75 in Vandalia.

Terrell Gooden clipped the tail of a semi on I-75 near Benchwood Road on Aug. 8, 2016, and slammed into a median wall. He was partially ejected from his car and pronounced dead.

Someone later noticed signs of life, and medical crews were recalled. His family wasn’t given much hope, they said.

“They told me he would not live, (to) exercise my options and unplug him,” said Gooden’s mother, Lynne Gooden. “I was angry. He would've died out there on the highway, where they left him.”

Today, Terrell Gooden can just now eat soft foods and drink water. He’s up to 95 assisted steps, moves with the help of a wheelchair and communicates with the help of a message board.

The family is seeking answers to questions such as who pronounced Gooden dead, who sent medical crews away and who noticed he was still alive.

They’re also supporting his recovery.

“Don't give in. Don't give in. Yeah,” Terrell Gooden said.

His mother shows her pride.

“Looking at him now from where he was, he's a walking, talking miracle,” she said.

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