An Army football player, Larry Pickett Jr., together with his father, became real-life heroes after a dramatic rescue in Orange County, New York. The West Point cadet and his dad pulled a man from a blazing car crash, an event fortuitously caught on video and shared on social media, as reported by CBS News New York.
Early Sunday, the Pickett family came upon a severe accident near Fort Montgomery, a mere six miles from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, avoiding downed power lines to help the trapped driver. In a statement obtained by ABC News, Pickett Jr., a sophomore who plays free safety for the Army football team, said that no thinking or talking was involved but seeing someone in need they instantly knew they had to help, his father echoed this feeling of urgency they both sprang into action without hesitation.
The driver, whose vehicle had struck a utility pole on Route 9W, was fortunately alert with only minor injuries, as indicated by the Fort Montgomery Fire Department. Pickett Jr.'s quick thinking and selfless actions were praised by the Academy, with Athletic Director Tom Theodorakis recognizing the Picketts' "heroic actions" and the embodiment of the institution's values in crisis situations according to posts on official social media channels.
According to the video shared by the Pickett family, the rescue took place under the risk of electrification from live wires after the driver's car hit a utility pole, their heroic effort ensured the man's safety moments before the vehicle was engulfed in flames; the video, uploaded by Pickett Sr. on Instagram, amplified praise and gratitude for his son's bravery, stating, "Thank you Jesus that this man will live to see another day! I am so grateful for my son LJ for saving his life!" lauding not just his impact on the football field but also his significant influence within his community, as reported by the ABC News.
