Mention the words “tracking app” to any teen and they might groan or insist you don’t track their every movement. But show this story to them and they might think twice the next time you ask them to share their location.
After Macy Smith missed her curfew, her mother and brother attempted to contact the 17-year-old, but when they were unable to reach her, Macy’s mom checked the Find My Friends app and noticed something strange. Macy had been in the same location for an abnormal amount of time.
It was time to check things out.
“The lack of response was out of character for her,” Macy’s mom, Catrina Alexander said, according to WFMY.
Not only was the lack of response strange, but according to the Find My Friends app, Macy hadn’t moved for several hours. Little did she know that her 17-year-old daughter was in need of help.
Almost 24 hours ago I was lying in a ditch 20 yards off the road for the 7th hour with my arm pinned under my car. I…
Posted by Macy Smith Swartz on Saturday, June 8, 2019
“I hydroplaned at 4:00 pm and ran in between 2 trees down an embankment, flipped my car 3 times, and landed in my back seat with my arm pinned in between the car and the ground,” Macy wrote on Facebook.
She continued to lie about 20 yards off the road for nearly seven hours before her mom was able to track her phone.
“I can’t explain watching the GPS on my phone with my dot for my phone getting close to hers and then suddenly seeing the tire tracks,” Catrina said.
Almost 24 hours ago I was lying in a ditch 20 yards off the road for the 7th hour with my arm pinned under my car. I…
Posted by Macy Smith Swartz on Saturday, June 8, 2019
Eventually Macy’s family found her, pinned under her car. Catrina called 911 and EMS removed Macy from the car and transported her to the hospital.
Posted by Macy Smith Swartz on Sunday, June 9, 2019
“I searched for my phone to call for help but the only thing in sight was my bible,” Macy said. “I held on to my bible and prayed harder than I had ever prayed before. I do not deserve to be here right now, but God has bigger plans for me.”
Macy suffered nerve damage in her left arm, though she’s since regained some movement, and a fractured neck.
Now, the mother and daughter are urging others to use tracking apps because it could save a life.
“I just hope that all parents and teenagers will encourage their families to get this app,” Macy said.
This is such an incredible story. Can you imagine what might have happened if these two didn’t share their locations with each other or if Catrina didn’t think to track her daughter’s phone?
I’m so glad Macy was found and is now recovering.
This is a great reminder to look into a tracking app for your family and friends.
