An Arizona State University student's life may have been saved by the rapid response of classmates during a stabbing incident on the West Valley campus. The attack, which occurred on September 19, involved a 19-year-old student, Kaci Sloan, who is alleged to have stabbed another student in a classroom setting. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, one student, Matthew McCormick, quickly intervened when he heard the victim's cries for help, potentially saving her life.
While in the process of settling into class, McCormick reported that it was clear that action needed to be taken without thought as his classmate Mara was attacked. "In that moment I didn’t really have a thought going through my head I just knew that I felt compelled to do something," McCormick told FOX 10 Phoenix. Mara suffered stab wounds to her tricep and ribcage, resulting in damage to her spleen, necessitating surgery at Banner Thunderbird Hospital. She is now facing a significant recovery period at home. Records state that Sloan carried out the stabbing twice before she was apprehended by McCormick as she attempted a third attack.
The 12 News reports that Sloan had planned the attack the night prior, targeting Mara solely based on her perceived vulnerability and not on any personal animosity or prior knowledge. The assailant is now facing serious charges including attempted murder, aggravated assault, and disorderly conduct.
Mara's family, meanwhile, has launched a GoFundMe page to cover medical expenses. McCormick, reflecting on the incident, emphasized the commendable actions of those in the classroom. "It was a great job by everybody that was in that room; by the EMTs, the paramedics and police. Everybody responded really, really well. 9-1-1 calls were pretty instantaneous and everybody seemed pretty locked in and knew what to do," he said in a statement gathered by the FOX 10 Phoenix. Expressing hope for Mara's full recovery and a wish to one day meet her family, McCormick added, "We miss you. To you and your family, I pray for your return and I'm just so thankful that your family was able to remain whole through this tragedy."
