What began as a devastating hit-and-run has turned into a powerful show of community support for a 27-year-old man working to rebuild his life.Inside Georgia Game Changers Friday night, Dante was surprised with a brand-new e-bike — a gift made possible by donations from strangers who say they were moved by his story.According to the Georgia State Patrol, Dante was walking from his fast-food job to a church where he had been sleeping when he was struck by a truck on Highway 17 in January.Reva Triantos said her boyfriend, Brian Duckworth, witnessed the crash and called her immediately. The couple rushed to the scene and found Dante badly hurt in the roadway. They stayed with him, holding his hand until paramedics arrived.“When they loaded him onto the ambulance, he was calling for my boyfriend the whole time,” Triantos said. “So at that point, we promised him we would visit him in the hospital the next day — and we did.”Dante suffered a broken leg, a broken arm and facial injuries. He said he remembers little about the crash.“I’m walking on a road. The only thing I know is I woke up in the hospital,” he said.After visiting him during his recovery, Triantos shared his story online. Donations quickly poured in. The couple launched “Donations for Dante,” raising money to buy him a new e-bike — especially meaningful after his previous one had been stolen shortly before the crash.Supporters say Dante’s infectious laughter and positive attitude inspired them to give. But for him, the bike isn’t the most important part.“Outside of them saving my life, it’s meeting someone that cares about another human being,” Dante said.Triantos hopes the story encourages others to act when they feel called to help.“Taking action on just doing the thing your instincts are telling you to do is what puts you in the position to actually change people’s lives,” she said.Authorities have arrested 42-year-old Andrew Walter Schmitt in connection with the crash. He faces charges including serious injury by vehicle, hit-and-run and DUI, according to the Georgia State Patrol.For Dante, the new e-bike represents more than transportation — it’s a symbol of a community helping him ride toward a fresh start.
RICHMOND HILL, Ga. —
What began as a devastating hit-and-run has turned into a powerful show of community support for a 27-year-old man working to rebuild his life.
Inside Georgia Game Changers Friday night, Danta was surprised with a brand-new e-bike — a gift made possible by donations from strangers who say they were moved by his story.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, Danta was walking from his fast-food job to a church where he had been sleeping when he was struck by a truck on Highway 17 in January.
Reva Triantos says her boyfriend, Brian Duckworth, witnessed the crash and called her immediately. The couple rushed to the scene and found Danta badly hurt in the roadway. They stayed with him, holding his hand until paramedics arrived.
“When they loaded him onto the ambulance, he was calling for my boyfriend the whole time,” Triantos said. “So at that point, we promised him we would visit him in the hospital the next day — and we did.”
Danta suffered a broken leg, a broken arm and facial injuries. He says he remembers little about the crash.
“I’m walking on a road… the only thing I know is I woke up in the hospital,” he said.
After visiting him during his recovery, Triantos shared his story online. Donations quickly poured in. The couple launched “Donations for Danta,” raising money to buy him a new e-bike — especially meaningful after his previous one had been stolen shortly before the crash.
Supporters say Danta’s infectious laughter and positive attitude inspired them to give. But for him, the bike isn’t the most important part.
“Outside of them saving my life, it’s meeting someone that cares about another human being,” Danta said.
Triantos hopes the story encourages others to act when they feel called to help.
“Taking action on just doing the thing your instincts are telling you to do is what puts you in the position to actually change people’s lives,” she said.
Authorities have arrested 42-year-old Andrew Walter Schmitt in connection with the crash. He faces charges including serious injury by vehicle, hit-and-run and DUI, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
For Danta, the new e-bike represents more than transportation — it’s a symbol of a community helping him ride toward a fresh start.
