A gentleman in Alaska was recently tasked with identifying and interviewing as many witnesses as possible to the June 1, 2010 airplane crash involving my nephew and his family. His assignment led him to a handful of witnesses at Merrill Field and in the Fairview area where the plane ultimately came down. Along the journey, he came into possession of photographs taken by some of the witnesses to the rescue. Some of you may have seen some of the photos on-line, but the more telling and graphic pictures have not been published.
He recounts what he found below in his own words, hopefully to bring some comfort to the Cavner family and has indicated his authorization to share the message “(please be so kind to pass this along if you feel it appropriate).”
“Commuters, some on their way home from work based upon how they were dressed, stopped without hesitation, rushing towards the crippled 206. As they began efforts to assist those trapped inside the plane, smoke appeared, followed shortly thereafter by fire and explosion.
“I’ve seen images of a dozen people doing their absolute fullest to get everyone out of the Cessna. Others did what they could to assist and comfort survivors as they were placed on the nearby road.
“At times, smoke engulfed the rescuers. As fuel dripped from the damaged right wing, fire spread onto the ground, underneath the aircraft and around the feet of rescuers. While some held the left wing up and off the ground, others continuously worked at and in the aircraft despite the smoke and fire. Rescuers backed off only when it was humanly impossible to remain. They never gave up although they were eventually forced to quit.
“I’m a retired police detective. I’ve seen my fair share of bad people and the things bad people do to other people. To say I’m jaded and somewhat skeptical of the motives of people in general would be an understatement. But, as I examined the photos taken of those who did their humanly best to save each and every soul onboard the 206, I saw a side of my fellow man that is rarely witnessed by anyone. I was left speechless initially, overcome with an unfamiliar emotion and on the verge of tears as I sat at my computer. I was and am so proud of the people that literally risked serious injury and potential death to themselves in an effort to save your loved ones.
“I am quite accustomed to seeing Anchorage police officers and firefighters performing heroic acts. We frequently read stories of soldiers exhibiting equal bravery on the battlefield. What we seldom hear about or see, however, are seemingly everyday people being just as heroic.”
“Perhaps ‘uncommon bravery’ really isn’t so uncommon after all. Perhaps what is uncommon are the occasions in which ordinary people perform amazingly heroic acts in an effort to save their fellow man, even when that fellow man is a perfect stranger. There is absolutely no question such people revealed themselves on June 1st. Had they not, this story would have had an even more tragic outcome.
“I just thought you and your family would like to know another side of this heartbreaking story.”
I hope this blesses each reader as much as it has blessed me, and all the family. Thank you.