In an extraordinary display of quick thinking and courage, three Iowa teenagers became unexpected heroes when they rushed to save a stranger’s life on railroad tracks. The incident, which unfolded behind Gateway High School in Ottumwa, demonstrated how split-second decisions can make the difference between life and death.
Quick action saves stranger on train tracks
The rescue began when student Paul Clanry spotted someone who had fallen on the railroad tracks through his classroom window. Without hesitation, he rallied his friends for help. “I felt like he needed help,” Clanry recalled. “So I just told these guys to come help me out real quick.”
As they sprinted past their science teacher’s classroom, the three students shouted, “Hey, Mr. E, there’s a guy in the railroad tracks, we’re going to go save him!” Their science teacher, Matt Erlandson, followed, but by the time he arrived, the teens had already helped the man to safety.
Students’ background adds depth to heroic act
The rescue took place at Gateway High School, an alternative education facility that serves students who may face various challenges or prefer a smaller learning environment. Clinton Ring, one of the rescuers, emphasized the importance of looking beyond surface appearances, stating, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
The incident strengthened the bond between the three friends. Daveson Hartman expressed his gratitude, saying, “I think they’re great people. They help me a lot. They help others, too, and I’m thankful for being their friend.”
Impact of spontaneous heroism
Their teacher, Matt Erlandson, praised the students’ instinctive response: “It was just a selfless act. They didn’t wait and ask for permission, they just said, ‘we’re doing this.'”
When reflecting on their actions, Clanry offered a simple but profound message: “Be righteous for the people around you.” Though the man they rescued disappeared after expressing his thanks, the teenagers’ brave actions left an indelible mark on their school and community.
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