A 14-year-old Gilbert teen has been honoured after helping a confused woman who was wandering in temperatures of about 106F (41C) in the Arizona town.
Royal Cothrun was riding his electric bike near South Valley Junior High School when he spotted Theresa Morgan walking near Lindsey and Galveston roads. She appeared pale, worried and disoriented, and told him she did not know where she was going.
Cothrun moved her into the shade and tried to help her contact her family. Morgan’s purse was difficult to open, leaving her unable to reach her phone.
“Her face was pale, and she just looked really worried and confused,” the teenager said.
He eventually managed to contact her son, Jeff Morgan, and stayed with her while he made his way to the scene. Theresa Morgan then fell on rocks near the shaded area, injuring her arms, prompting her son to call 911.
Gilbert teen recognised for helping woman in extreme heat
Reports by local media said Morgan, who is in her seventies and has dementia, had become lost after travelling to a nearby shop and wandered several miles from home.
Gilbert Fire Chief Rob Duggan said the situation could have deteriorated quickly, as confusion becomes worse in extreme heat. The teenager’s actions, he said, helped prevent a potentially far more serious outcome.
Doctors have warned that heat illness can develop rapidly. Early symptoms can include weakness, tiredness, nausea and stomach pain, while anyone showing signs of heat-related illness should be moved somewhere cool and emergency help sought.
The Town of Gilbert presented Cothrun with a key to the town and a Citizen Hero Award at a council meeting. The Gilbert Fire Department and the Air National Guard have also recognised him.
Cothrun said he had not expected any recognition for stopping to help.
“Make sure they’re OK, and just check up on people if they look like they’re in need,” he said.
Jeff Morgan described the teenager’s intervention as remarkable, saying his mother was fortunate to have encountered someone willing to stop and stay with her.
