St. JOSEPH, MO -
A 13-year-old St. Joseph boy is recovering from injuries he suffered while pulling an elderly neighbor from his burning home. Preston Handsome said he simply did what he had to do. He is walking again after suffering frost bite on his feet and burns on his arms.
In spite of Handsome's efforts, his neighbor later died, but many admire his selfless act to save another.
"I was in the living room watching some TV," Handsome said.
Handsome just finished breakfast when he heard a terrifying sound from across the street.
"A big, loud pop," he said.
It was an explosion at the house of 74-year-old William Taylor.
In the frigid one degree weather, Handsome bolted across the street barefoot, through the snow, to find flames coming from the home of his elderly and disabled neighbor, who was also a family friend.
"I'm used to going over there and checking on him like almost everyday, to see if he's alright or needs anything," Handsome said.
Handsome said he and his mother saw no sign of Taylor and ran home to call for help.
While back at home waiting for help to arrive, Handsome said he heard a second explosion. He ran barefoot back across the street and saw his neighbor lying on the front porch surrounded by flames. Handsome plunged in and pulled him out, suffering burns on his arms while doing so.
Taylor was alive, but life-flighted to a hospital with critical burns. While scared, Handsome acted with a calmness beyond his years. He said he was blind to injuries because he had only one thing on his mind.
"I was just thinking about getting him away from the fire as fast as I can," he said.
Fire investigators believe the explosions and fire started from a propane heater inside Taylor's home.
Handsome is now recovering from frostbite on his feet and burns on his arms. He was saddened to learn his friend and neighbor died from his injuries Saturday night.
Putting his life on the line for others is something Handsome plans to pursue later in life. He wants go into the military.
In spite of Handsome's efforts, his neighbor later died, but many admire his selfless act to save another.
"I was in the living room watching some TV," Handsome said.
Handsome just finished breakfast when he heard a terrifying sound from across the street.
"A big, loud pop," he said.
It was an explosion at the house of 74-year-old William Taylor.
In the frigid one degree weather, Handsome bolted across the street barefoot, through the snow, to find flames coming from the home of his elderly and disabled neighbor, who was also a family friend.
"I'm used to going over there and checking on him like almost everyday, to see if he's alright or needs anything," Handsome said.
Handsome said he and his mother saw no sign of Taylor and ran home to call for help.
While back at home waiting for help to arrive, Handsome said he heard a second explosion. He ran barefoot back across the street and saw his neighbor lying on the front porch surrounded by flames. Handsome plunged in and pulled him out, suffering burns on his arms while doing so.
Taylor was alive, but life-flighted to a hospital with critical burns. While scared, Handsome acted with a calmness beyond his years. He said he was blind to injuries because he had only one thing on his mind.
"I was just thinking about getting him away from the fire as fast as I can," he said.
Fire investigators believe the explosions and fire started from a propane heater inside Taylor's home.
Handsome is now recovering from frostbite on his feet and burns on his arms. He was saddened to learn his friend and neighbor died from his injuries Saturday night.
Putting his life on the line for others is something Handsome plans to pursue later in life. He wants go into the military.
