A Newport News, Virginia, teen is being praised for his heroic actions that saved the lives of 13 people during a fire. When 17-year-old Matthew Wilson‘s mom heard a faint beeping sound, he went out into their apartment hallway to investigate. He smelled smoke and immediately warned his mother to leave the building with their dog, then sprang into action, alerting his neighbors to the danger.
Matthew went door to door in his apartment complex, banging on doors to wake up and evacuate the residents. At one point, he even tried to break down a door when a neighbor didn’t respond. Although he didn’t get into the apartment, when firefighters arrived they were able to rescue the person inside through a window.
Both Matthew and his mother, Lara West, lost all their belongings to smoke and water damage, and they are now staying in a hotel. West says she’s proud of her son’s actions, but isn’t that surprised, because helping people is in his nature. The American Red Cross recognized Matthew’s efforts, calling him a blessing to the people he saved.
Source: KTIV
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