Baby Hunter with his 6-year-old brother Taven McCovey, mother Amber Younger, father Eddie McCovey and 2-year-old brother Carson McCovey. Photos Provided by Eddie McCovey.

Eddie McCovey and Amber Younger expected to birth their son Hunter three weeks from now, in a hospital bed, with a doctor.

But when Younger’s water broke on U.S. Highway 101, McCovey knew their plans had changed.

“She was having contractions since we got up around 8 a.m. and kept saying ‘I think the baby’s coming today, so I pulled the car up and we left for the hospital about a quarter to 10,” McCovey said. “But when her water broke in the car, I knew we weren’t going to make it. So I pulled over and called 911.”

McCovey pulled off at the Tompkins Hill exit. Humboldt Bay Assistant Fire Chief Bill Gillespie was first to arrive and delivered the infant on scene.

“When I got there, mom was in the process of giving birth. She did the hard part and I basically received the newborn as she delivered,” Gillespie said. “I placed him on her stomach and he started crying immediately, which is always a good sign.”

Moments later, an engine crew arrived with a paramedic and medical kit on board. McCovey was able to cut the umbilical cord right there in the passenger seat of his Green Ford Escape. Then Younger and the newborn were loaded into and ambulance and driven to St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka. According to McCovey, the mother and child are both in good health.

Hunter Edward Lee McCovey was born at 10:37 a.m., weighing 5 pounds and 15 ounces.

The Eureka family is currently spending time together in the hospital, but McCovey said he still plans to take his two older sons out tonight for fireworks.

“It’s cool to have him on the Fourth of July, and I’m glad it happened in the morning. Now we can still enjoy the festivities with the older ones,” the father of three said.

Despite the rarity of the situation, Hunter is not the first child in his family to be born in a car.

“I have a cousin that was born on the freeway. We call him Freeway Hank,” McCovey said. “I think Hank has a new favorite cousin.”

Hunter Edward Lee McCovey was born at 10:37 a.m., weighing 5 pounds and 15 ounces.