The Brown County Water Improvement District Lake Patrol recognized the recent heroic actions by a Howard Payne University class that helped save the life of a teenage girl. Lake Patrol Lt. Scotty Burke made the presentation on Tuesday at the Water District’s board meeting and recounted their recent ordeal.
On Tuesday, September 17th, Howard Payne University professor Dr. Rick Beelby took his canoeing class to Lake Brownwood for their first lesson on the lake. The overcast skies and potentially bad weather had Dr. Beelby contemplating moving the class back to campus, but class ultimately pressed on and took their canoes to the Kirkland Dock area to escape some of the wind.
Upon reaching the Kirkland Dock, several students heard screaming for help. The screams were coming from a teenager who was in the water about 80 to 100 yards out from shore. Two of the students quickly reached the young girl and pulled her to the side of the canoe. An extra lifejacket was placed on the girl and she was taken to shore.
The teenager said that she wanted to kill herself, but once out in the water she changed her mind. Several members of the class raced back to the dam to make emergency phone calls and summon help. Other students stayed with the young girl and never left her side offering much needed comfort and consoling.
The young lady was taken to BRMC ER for evaluation and further help.
“The actions of Dr. Beelby and the class prohibited a situation that would have surely ended in a tragedy,” said Burke “These students put their health and safety aside for the health and safety of another. They showed God’s love and mercy and acted upon his direction and plan.”
Several of these students have remained in contact with the young lady to offer further support and guidance, Burke said.
“Because of their actions that day, the young lady will be able to get some help. Their selfless actions should be commended and applauded,” Burke said. “These young people along with their professor are a fine example of the Christian leadership of our community.”
Pictured from left to right are Burke, Courtney Seybert, Dacia Griffin, Sarah Wright, Courtney Beene, Ethan Ferrel, Kristian Simpson, Jacob Sadler and Dr. Beelby. Students not pictured are Mallory Orms and Colin Pritchard.