Marine Vet Credits Ford Raptor for Saving His Life in Crash
Marine Vet Credits Ford Raptor for Saving His Life in Crash
“Ford Replaces Marine Vet’s Crushed Truck with Any Raptor He Wanted”
Tyler Vargas-Andrews, a resilient U.S. Marine who survived a suicide bomber attack in Kabul, purchased a 2023 Ford Raptor truck as a celebration of life. Little did he know that this very vehicle would play a crucial role in saving him once again.
After a 2017 Nissan Murano crashed into him, totaling his beloved Raptor on Thanksgiving Day, Vargas-Andrews took to Instagram, crediting the Raptor with saving his life. His post, tagged with #Ford and #FordPerformance, caught the attention of Ford Motor Co. executives, including Bill Ford, the great-grandson of the company founder.
Ford decided to take action. They replaced Tyler’s original Raptor with a brand-new one, and Bill Ford personally ensured it happened. Mike Levine, Ford North America product communications director, expressed admiration for Tyler’s resilience and sacrifice: “He is a resilient, inspirational, and amazing person.”
Tyler drove from Virginia to Dearborn, where he met blue- and white-collar veterans employed at the Dearborn Truck Plant, spent time with Bill Ford on the factory floor, and even received a surprise hello from Ford CEO Jim Farley.
For the replacement, Ford gave Tyler the freedom to choose any version of the Raptor he desired. He opted for the 2024 Raptor R, equipped with a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine boasting 720 horsepower and dual valve Fox shocks. It’s a fitting tribute to a Marine who embodies strength and determination.
Tyler’s journey—from surviving combat to driving cross-country in his Raptor—reminds us that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories unfold behind the wheel. 
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