Owner of Patriots awards brothers who steered school bus to safety tickets to opening game

It’s been quite the week for brothers Connor and Seamus Collins after they helped prevent their school bus from crashing on Monday, March 14, according to the New England Patriots.

While en route to Mt. Ararat Middle and High School last Monday, Connor, 16, heard a thud as bus driver Arthur McDougall, 77, slumped over the steering wheel and fell to the floor. As the bus veered off the road and into a ditch, the teenager ran to the front to grab the wheel, slam the breaks, and instruct his little brother to call 9-1-1.

Although Arthur did not ultimately survive the heart attack he suffered, Connor’s quick thinking prevented any more tragedy, and the story caught the attention of the owner of their favorite football team.

“You guys really called an audible on that bus,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Tuesday, surprising Conor and Seamus on a Zoom call.

“You’re very brave and special and we respect and admire what you both did, how courageous you both were. So, we were wondering if we could invite you to the opening game this year and get you tickets?”

The boys were happy to accept the offer and attend their first-ever Patriots game at Gillette Stadium.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2022 Cox Media Group