Michael Patterson touched the hearts of his surrounding community when he attempted to save a 4-year-old girl from drowning but injuries from that day caused his death.
Diving into a shallow creek to save a young girl from drowning, Michael Patterson broke his neck during the dive. He became paralyzed from the chest down, and he spent three weeks in the hospital before passing away.
He also developed respiratory acidosis, pneumonia and a bacterial infection after the injury. The medical problems that came after the broken neck contributed to his death, Polk County Coroner Trey Litesey told news outlets.
Friends and family set up a Facebook page to raise funds for Michael’s care; where tons of sympathy was outpouring. Here is an excerpt from the page: Mike’s spirit and selfless actions inspired tens of thousands who sent cards, letters and emails.
Apparently, this wasn’t the first time he was involved in heroics. A week before diving into the creek, him and another man pulled a truck driver from his cab after the truck caught on fire.
It’s a shame that such an unselfish person had to go. Rest in peace Michael Patterson.
via [Yahoo.com]
