Military football player and father intervene, rescuing a man from a burning car wreck close to West Point
West Point Football Player and Father Rescue Man from Crash
Larry Pickett Jr., a U.S. Army football player, and his father, Larry Pickett Sr., found themselves in an unexpected heroic act over the weekend. While driving back to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point after a family dinner in New York City's Times Square, they came upon a car crash on Route 9W in Fort Montgomery, New York.
The car involved in the crash was a white sedan that had smashed into a utility pole and was on fire. The Picketts quickly sprang into action, managing to pull a man from the burning vehicle before it was engulfed completely.
The academy praised the Picketts' conduct, stating that their actions embody U.S. Army values. Army Athletic Director Tom Theodorakis added that their actions demonstrate leadership, courage, and selfless service. Larry Pickett Sr. wrote on Facebook about the rescue, describing his son's actions as "immediate courage" and "heroic." He expressed gratitude for his son's actions, writing, "Thank you Jesus that this man will live to see another day!"
The city where the rescue activities took place is not specified in the available information. The rescue was recorded by Lauren Pickett, Larry Pickett Jr.'s sister. The U.S. Military Academy also praised the actions of Larry Pickett Jr. and his father on their official Twitter account.
Larry Pickett Jr. mentioned that his military training kicked in during the rescue. The day before, he had seen action in Army's season opener. Cadet Larry Pickett Jr.'s off-field heroics were a testament to the character West Point is building in him, as described by his father. Pickett Sr. described his son's actions as a testament to the character West Point is building in him, demonstrating readiness to go into the line of fire for anyone who needs it.
Pickett Jr.'s next game is scheduled for Sept. 6 at Kansas State. Prior to the crash, Pickett Jr. had been recognised for his football skills, with appearances in the EA Sports College Football 26 video game and being named Army football's "Skill Worker of the Week."
In the first quarter of the Black Knights' 30-27 overtime loss against Tarleton State, Pickett Jr. assisted on a tackle on a kickoff. Despite the loss, his off-field heroics have undoubtedly made a lasting impact on those around him.
