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Teen's Compassion Saves Elderly Woman in Heat
18 Jul
Summary
- A 14-year-old boy found an elderly woman disoriented in extreme heat.
- He helped her contact her son and stayed until help arrived.
- The fire department is honoring the teen for his quick thinking.

In Gilbert, Arizona, a 14-year-old boy, Royal Cothrun, demonstrated remarkable bravery by assisting an elderly woman during a severe heatwave. He encountered Theresa Morgan, 76, who was disoriented and struggling with groceries in temperatures reaching 103°F.
Recognizing her distress, Cothrun helped Morgan find shade and recall her son's contact number. He then alerted her son and remained by her side until Gilbert Fire and Rescue arrived to ensure her safety. This incident occurred during a period of extreme heat that had led to numerous fatalities across the US.
The Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department announced they would formally honor Cothrun for his heroism. Battalion Chief Ryan McHugh praised the teen's quick thinking and compassion, highlighting the dangers of heatstroke and the importance of community vigilance during extreme weather.