Sen. Marco Rubio speaks to supporters as he stops to thank volunteers at a phone bank on Aug. 29, in Miami, F.L. | Getty Heck, Rubio assist at car crash scene

Nevada Rep. Joe Heck and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio helped victims of a deadly car crash in West Virginia on Thursday night.

The two Republicans were driving to their hotel after an event in Ohio when a semi-trailer truck on the opposite side of the road lost control and crossed the median, striking the three cars driving in front of them. Rubio and Heck, who is a trained combat surgeon, pulled over. They helped a victim escape from a car and provided assistance to the others until EMTs arrived. Heck pronounced one victim dead at the scene.


Bernard Howard Bachmann, 62, was the victim, WTRF reported. The station reported the truck may have hydroplaned on the wet road, and it doesn't appear alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.

"Lisa and I want to join the Rubios in offering prayers and condolences to those grieving and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. As always, we have great respect for the first responders who handle such cases every day," Heck said in a statement.

"Jeanette and I send our prayers and condolences to the family of the individual who tragically lost their life in Thursday night’s accident in West Virginia," Rubio said in a statement. "I want to thank all of the first responders who arrived quickly and did their jobs with swift professionalism. Please join me in praying for all those affected."