Sam Houston State University honored five students at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Library for their heroic actions in assisting an injured visitor in March. The prompt response led to immediate medical attention for retired law enforcement investigator Richard Anderson.
Anderson, who tripped on a protruding outgrowth from a root while walking near the duckpond on the museum grounds, said, “I’m proud of the students at this university and what they stand for.” He added, “I came down on another root, impaling my lower leg. As soon as that happened, several students ran to my aid.”
The students involved were Kodi Harris, Natalie Cantu, Stefano Cuverra, Amya Pearson and Zoey Gray. All have received Bearkat Impact Awards from the museum and the Dean of Students’ Office as well as medals from the Office of the President.
Kodi Harris said, “We were walking by in the middle of observing plants for one of our classes, when two of us saw him on the ground. We rushed over to help.” Harris happened to be carrying a first-aid kit. He added, “We were in the right place at the right time.”
Despite the severity of the situation, the students worked together to stabilize the wound and assist Anderson to his car, where his wife Kathileene waited to take him to the hospital. She was exploring the grounds with the couple’s dog when the accident occurred.
