Wando senior's bravery to be honoredCouncil to recognize 'extraordinary' teen By Prentiss Findlay (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
MOUNT PLEASANT — Wando High School senior Ian Lund knew he was risking his life when he tried to help a stranger trapped in an overturned van on U.S. Highway 17. But he also realized it would be worse to do nothing at all. The decision came to him in an instant, when he looked through the van's windshield and saw John D. Green, 54, of Charleston bleeding heavily and in pain from a broken arm. 
Wade Spees Wando High School senior Ian Lund on Monday revisits the spot on U.S. Highway 17 where he helped free a trapped motorist after a two-vehicle accident a couple of weeks ago. "The first thing I smell is gasoline," Lund said. "I'm like, 'Oh, boy, this is not good.' " Lund's bravery will be recognized tonight during a Town Council meeting. The town also plans to nominate him for a Carnegie Medal, which recognizes heroism. "Ian showed tremendous courage and put his life in immediate danger to aid a complete stranger," Fire Chief Herb Williams said in a letter to council. "Ian recognized the inherent danger of the gasoline igniting while the driver was still trapped inside the vehicle. His efforts were extraordinary." Despite the smell of gasoline, Lund continued squeezing into the van and worked his way to Green. Blood seemingly was everywhere, Lund said. Green was trying to tell him what happened, but Lund told him, "No, we've just got to get out." The van had come to rest on the driver's side, and Green was wedged against the steering column. Lund reached between Green's legs to pull the seat back and released the seat belt. Then he tried to figure a way out for both them. Lund, at 160 pounds, had wiggled through a 1-foot-wide gap past a wheelchair lift gate. Green weighs more than 200 pounds. Lund would have to find another escape. He delivered a karate chop to the windshield, trying to crack it. An off-duty police officer pounded on the glass with his baton. All to no avail. When firefighters arrived, Lund had led Green to the back of the van in anticipation of axes smashing the glass into dangerous shards. "People call me a hero," Lund said. "I'm not one to really brag about it. I just needed to help out the best I could." Lund, 18, had just left school for the day on May 1 when he saw the accident on Highway 17, which also involved a BMW. The driver of that vehicle appeared OK, so he focused his attention on the van. "Fate really played a role in it," Lund said. The van's driver, Green, could not be reached Monday. Lund, who plans to attend the University of Alabama in the fall, is an editor for the school's student newspaper, The Tribal Tribune. The paper's adviser has asked him to write a column about his experience. Reach Prentiss Findlay at 937-5711 of pfindlay@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 28 comment(s)
Posted by lillycollette on May 13, 2008 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The fact that Ian Lund apparently doesn’t realize what a hero he is only makes him a bigger hero in this old woman’s eyes. God bless you and keep you safe son.
Posted by wpc3iop on May 13, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great story...great young man!
Posted by ColdBeer on May 13, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Job Ian Lund!
Posted by devster on May 13, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Phenomenal story!
Posted by ChrisPia on May 13, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Excellent Story and a Great Job By Ian.It's great to Hear Stories of People caring for others in extraordinary Circumstances.Ian, You are a Hero.We are Proud of You. Thank You.
Posted by Early on May 13, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ian Lund, a true hero! Use your experience to educate others, that will be your reward!
Posted by RTC on May 13, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go, Ian. It does my heart good to read positive stories like this.
I am sure your parents are proud.
Posted by mominthesouth on May 13, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In a world where people don't take the time to care for others, Ian stands out as one of the best. The life he saved changed this person forever. I hope Mr. Green's life will be forever changed.
Good job,Ian.
Posted by oldglory on May 13, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My heart-felt thanks to this young man. It is comforting to know selfless people still exist!
(WOW! nothing ridiculous posted to this article! LOL)
Posted by proudmomma on May 13, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great job, Ian!
Posted by greyrider on May 13, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As many problems as there are among this generation, there are still some great young people out there. Kids like this give us all hope for the future.
Posted by eyfigueroa on May 13, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm sure this is indicative of how he lives his life. His family should be very proud.
Posted by RTC on May 13, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What touched me the most about this article is that this young man knew that he could have been killed helping this gentleman. He was aware of the gas leaking, but he still would not leave Mr. Green alone to possibly die in this accident.
A lot of people would have moved away and waited for the authorities to take charge.
Thank you to Chief Williams for recognizing this brave young man, and for doing such a great job as the MPFD's chief.
Posted by Girleygirl on May 13, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good job Ian!
Posted by TP on May 13, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This kid was brave indeed.
What a nice bonus it would be if this kid was able to pull a little extra tail his senior year b/c of this. Nothing too crazy, maybe just one or 2 girls that wouldn't have given him the time of day before his heroic move. Go get 'em, Ian! You're only 17 once!
Posted by pithy on May 13, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well done Ian!
Posted by Girleygirl on May 13, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
TP- You sound like the grandfather on "little Miss Sunshine." lol
Posted by Early on May 13, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I once saved a cat out of a tree, never got me any tail, good luck on that one!
Posted by TP on May 13, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Saved a cat, huh Early? Sorry you didn't get any tail, but at least you got your hands on the pussy........cat.
(couldn't resist, you served that one up on a tee, dude)
Posted by skeeter on May 13, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd want this young man in the foxhole next to me.
Posted by UrGatorbait on May 13, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A true hero. Kudos to him.
Posted by ln1959 on May 13, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good job Ian. A true hero.
Posted by summerville_guy on May 13, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ian, I hope you are reading these comments. Trust me - there is next to nothing that everyone here agrees on. Your actions, however, are so extraordinary that everyone agrees you are a hero, and nobody here has anything discouraging to say about you. Thank you for your quick actions and for caring for your fellow man. Your bravery is amazing, and we need more young men like you.
Posted by Marianne0558 on May 13, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow!!!
So modest.
If only there were more people in this world like this young man.
Your parents must be so proud!
Posted by Landbuyer on May 13, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well done!!! You have changed a life and made a difference. I pray that my son will make a diffence in people's lives. You have touched a lot of lives with just one action. God bless!
Posted by Two_Sheds on May 13, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
People today seem to have forgotten the actual definition of the word "hero." We call sports stars (who do nothing more than play the games for which they are WAY overpaid, anyway) heroes. Why? They never place their overindulged lives on the line for anyone.
This young man is the type of person whom our kids so desperately need to emulate. Way to go Ian!
Posted by granny2 on May 13, 2008 at 7:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great job Ian. I'm sure your parents are real proud of you. Good luck in your life ahead.
Posted by ILOVEIANLUND on May 14, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
YOU ARE MY HERO IAN!!!!!!!
I want to be just like you.