October 12, 2008
- Roseburg, Oregon
Drowning victim's family starts fund for hero
By KPIC Web Staff
Roseburg, Ore. -- When 18-year-old John Taylor was struggling in the South Umpqua River on July 9th, 16-year-old Noah Eyers jumped in and pulled him out of the water.
But that wasn't the end of his heroics. Eyers actually started CPR on Taylor after getting him out of the water, and was able to get his heart beating again. Unfortunately, Taylor was under water for about 15 minutes before Eyers could get him out, and Taylor was pronounced dead at Mercy Medical Center, after tests confirmed he had no brain function. Eyers said, "His girlfriend had run up to the bank, and when she told me that he was, he really needed help, I kicked off the rock, and swam as fast as I could over there." Taylor's family thanked Eyers at his celebration of life ceremony, but wanted to do something more for the young man that got their grandson out of the river. Taylor's mother, Deanna Butler tearfully stated, "He still had a heartbeat because of Noah. I was able to be by his side. He gave me something, he gave me a chance to be with Johnny and say good-bye to him, to tell him how proud I was." "Our family considers Noah a hero. Not very many people would jump in a river, risk their life. So we set up an account at Umpqua Bank, and we're wanting to help Noah after he graduates from high school to continue his education," added Taylor's Grandfather Larry Hooker. The account is called the John Taylor Memorial Fund, and contributions may be made at any Umpqua Bank Branch. Eyers said he did what anyone else would do. He will be a junior at Roseburg High School this year. |
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