MERCER COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Two Mercer County Sheriff’s deputies are opening up about the moments when they pulled a baby girl from the crash that killed her parents.
Deputies Sean Brown and David Prather remember the call vividly.
“I wasn't letting go of that baby until the ambulance pulled up,” said Brown.
Saturday night they responded to Mackville Road west of Harrodsburg for a deadly crash with children involved.
“It changes things drastically, emotionally and mentally to know that there's kids,” said Prather.
The vehicle had veered off the road and smashed into a tree.
The deputies rushed to look for survivors. Deputy Brown approached from the bottom, while Deputy Prather climbed on top, spotting a baby girl in the back seat.
“The child was somewhat inverted in the backseat in the car seat and was limp and already turning blue,” said Prather.
The deputies struggled to get the car seat out.
“We just cut the straps and pulled her out that way. Like he said, to see no movement, no noises until it just seems like as soon as those straps came off. I think both of us can say we have never been so happy to see a baby cry,” said Brown.
That baby girl crying was Emori Sparks.
“That's the most emotion I've ever felt on any call and it just, it was a good feeling to hear that sound,” said Brown.
Emori's parents, Christa Murphy and Gregory Sparks both died in the wreck.
“These were two lives, they were way too young. So it just, it honestly affects everybody it's just a small tight knit town,” said Brown.
The community is now surrounding baby Emori with love; an act only possible thanks to the love these deputies showed in saving her life.
“I think anybody that wears this badge would have done the same thing,” said Brown.
“You carry stuff like this with you, you never get over it, you never forget about it,” said Prather.
Friends of the family are asking for donations for Emori. Any baby items like clothes, wipes, diapers or lotions can be dropped off at Southside Christian Church in Harrodsburg Monday through Thursday between 11:00a.m. and 1:00p.m.
You can also donate directly to the family by clicking here.
