In a heartrending display of courage and prompt action, Gregory Pope III, a 15-year-old from Detroit, has been recognized for his life-saving efforts in an emergency situation. Despite his quick response and CPR attempt, his neighbor, John Lee, tragically passed away from what was determined to be a heart attack. Following the incident, the City Council lauded the teen with the esteemed Spirit of Detroit Award.
On Jan. 3, as reported by BridgeDetroit, Pope was interrupted from his video game session by cries for help. He found Lee unresponsive and hanging out of his car. Although he had no formal CPR training, Pope's obligatory actions provided his neighbor with a fighting chance. "I want to thank my family and my coach, who pushed me to be the man I am today," Pope expressed his gratitude. "I love you," he added, during the ceremony where Council President Pro Tem James Tate extolled his bravery.
This self-effacing hero, a student at Henry Ford High School, was not trained in CPR but learned what he knew from a television show, as mentioned by his father, Gregory Pope II, and documented by FOX 2 Detroit. His father, overwhelmed during the emergency, said, "He looked (me) dead in my eyes and said, 'Pops I got it.’"
Even as his community hails him as a hero, Pope maintains a humble stance, having told Local 4, "It feels great," in reference to the Spirit of Detroit Award he received. "Just trying to keep doing what I do." His aspirations do not end here, as he contemplates a future either in the NFL or perhaps, given his instinctive life-saving intervention, the medical field.
Coach Casey Smith didn't hold back his admiration for Pope, stating, "He’s so caring, he’s so thoughtful, he’s selfless," as reported by FOX 2 Detroit. This sentiment is echoed widely by Pope's peers and family, mirroring the support and pride that have clearly uplifted this remarkable young man amidst a pivotal, and undoubtedly poignant, event in his life, proving himself a notable figure in his community.
