Fourth grader honored for saving stepfather’s life after mowing accident
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) honored a ten-year-old girl after her bravery and quick thinking saved her stepfather’s life last month.
Aleiah Morris found herself in a frightening situation on April 21 when her stepfather, Clayton, was in a mowing accident. Clayton flipped his zero-turn mower and was pinned underneath. Aleiah, who witnessed the accident, ran inside for her mother to call 911. Her fast reaction saved her stepfather’s life.
The WCSO and Sulphur Springs Elementary School recognized Aleiah’s bravery with a plaque on Thursday.
News Channel 11 attended Aleiah’s celebration and spoke with her about the accident.
“I am proud of myself for doing that,” she said. “I was a little nervous at first, but now I am not.”
Aleiah said it made her feel appreciated to see her classmates cheer her on.
“It makes me feel happy and proud to have a celebration like this,” she said.
Sheriff Keith Sexton, who awarded Aleiah her plaque, said bravery is about doing the right thing despite being scared. He called Aleiah a “community hero.”
“She saw what happened and did not panic…in the face of fear and danger, she got help on the way,” Sexton said.
Clayton said he is grateful for his stepdaughter’s actions.
Sexton told News Channel 11 that it took “a lot of equipment and help” to free Clayton, but thanks to Aleiah, it was done in a timely manner.
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