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Title: TRUE AMERICAN HERO: Georgia dad paralyzed trying to save drowning 4-year-old girl dies in hospital
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Published: Jun 29, 2013
Author: Philip Caulfield
Post Date: 2013-06-29 23:06:29 by A K A Stone
Keywords: None
Views: 248
A Georgia man who broke his neck when he dove into a shallow creek to save a 4-year-old girl from drowning earlier this month died from his injuries on Friday, his family said. Michael Patterson, 43, broke his neck in three places on June 8 when he dove headfirst into a shallow creek in Rockmart to try to save toddler Javea Jones, whom he did not know. He had been spending Saturday at the creek with his 9-year-old son, Cole, when he heard the girl scream for help and dove in. The boy witnessed the accident. Patterson was paralyzed from the chest down, and also suffered respiratory acidosis, pneumonia, a bacterial infection and a blood clot, his family said on Facebook. He spent 20 days in intensive care at a hospital in Rome, Ga., before passing away early Friday. "Mike's spirit and selfless actions inspired tens of thousands who sent cards, letters and emails and engaged in posts at the Friends of Mike Patterson Facebook page," his family said in a statement on Facebook. "His life and the lives of others are forever changed by his courageous, split-second decision to save another's life. Mike's tragic story made news headlines around the globe. His heroic act stirred an outpouring of emotion and a desire to help Mike in his time of need. His caring nature will forever be honored." The heroic young father had recently started a new construction job and did not have health insurance. The family created a fund, The Friend of Mike Patterson Trust, and was accepting donations to pay for his medical care.
Poster Comment: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." --JOHN 15:13 This makes me really sad. God Bless you Mr. Patterson. May you RIP.
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