On a stormy December morning, West Ham United striker Michail Antonio faced a moment that would change his life forever. Driving home from training, Antonio lost control of his Ferrari in Epping Forest. The car collided with a tree, leaving him with a shattered femur and trapped inside the wreckage. Emergency services rushed to the scene, quickly assessing his injuries and working to free him from the vehicle.
Paramedics Rob Moon and Dr James Moloney from Essex and Herts Air Ambulance played a crucial role that day. Despite the severity of the crash and the dangerous weather, they stabilized Antonio and transported him safely to Royal London Hospital. The air ambulance could not fly due to the storm, so the team relied on an ambulance to get him the urgent care he needed.
Antonio’s First Words and Recovery Journey
Antonio had little memory of the crash itself. Paramedics later revealed that, while conscious, he was very repetitive—a common effect after head trauma. They reassured him by asking about his football career and manager, which comforted both the medics and Antonio during the ordeal.
After surgery to repair his femur, Antonio spent over three weeks in the hospital. The experience left him reflecting deeply on life’s fragility. He later shared, “I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed. What I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and every single moment matters”.
Meeting the Paramedics Who Saved His Life
Months after the accident, Antonio chose to meet the paramedics who saved him. The reunion, featured on BBC One’s Morning Live, was emotional and humbling. Antonio thanked Rob Moon and Dr. Moloney, telling them, “I want to say thank you because obviously I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys. You saved my life, so you guys are basically my heroes”.
He admitted he could not remember their faces from the day of the crash, which felt surreal given their importance in his survival. The paramedics recalled finding Antonio in the back seat, quickly assessing the broken femur, and working to keep him warm and safe as rain poured down outside.
Impact on Family and Mental Health
Antonio’s family experienced the trauma in their own way. His eldest child, just thirteen, saw distressing images of the crash online and visited him in the hospital. Antonio said, “The most difficult part is that I almost wasn’t there for my children. It’s just made me happy and positive about life because I’ve got another chance at life”.
He kept the worst details from his younger children to shield them from fear. Antonio also spoke about the mental challenges of recovery, especially as he watched West Ham undergo managerial changes and faced uncertainty about his football future.
A New Perspective and Hope for the Future
Antonio’s near-death experience brought a new outlook. He now prioritizes time with his family and has given up driving sports cars, relying on a Mercedes van and his brother for transport. He remains determined to return to football, confident that he will play again despite the severity of his injuries. Doctors estimate his recovery could take up to a year, but Antonio believes he is already ahead of schedule.
The story of Antonio is one of resilience, gratitude, and hope. His journey from a life-threatening crash to heartfelt reunions with his rescuers inspires not only football fans but anyone facing adversity. Antonio’s reflections remind us all to value every moment and to thank the heroes who work behind the scenes to save lives.