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Accident Victim Undeterred from Proclaiming His Love

Brian Shipwash did not let the possibility of his death stop him from following through with his intentions.

Riding together on his motorcycle, Shipwash and his girlfriend, Shandra Miller, headed up North Carolina's Pilot Mountain. At a curve in the road, Shipwash lost control and crashed into the side of an oncoming pickup truck. The couple went flying, and the motorcycle landed on top of Shipwash.

A group of ten other Harley-Davidson riders rushed to help and found the handlebars of the motorcycle stuck six inches into Shipwash's abdomen. As soon as they pulled the handlebars from his stomach, Shipwash pulled a small box from his pocket. It was broken and bloody, but inside was a ring.

Recounting his words to the Associated Press, Shipwash said, "Shandra, the reason we were going to Pilot Mountain today was so I could propose. I know this is not the best time in the world, but will you marry me?"

"I was crying at the time because of the wreck," Miller said. "But when I saw [the ring], I just started crying even more."

Though he suffered a broken hand and leg, Shipwash did not damage any major organs. No one else was injured in the accident. And Shandra Miller said yes.

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