OKLAHOMA CITY -
A man shot in the
back after a Thunder playoff game against Los Angeles last year finally met the guy who helped save his life, as he lay on the street without a pulse.
It happened in
May 2012 as thousands of fans made their way home from Thunder Alley. Witnesses
in the area recall a fight breaking out. Then they say gunshots rang out. Several innocent bystanders were hit by
bullets, including 22-year-old Norman Richards, who was watching the game with
a friend.
5/23/2012 Related Story: Thunder Games
Will No Longer Be Shown In Thunder Alley
"We heard an argument to our right [and]
we heard shots ring out and I run; get shot," recalled Richards.
"I look over and this guy's laying (sic) on the
ground," said Brandon Hall, a trained EMT who was also at the game. "All these
people around and there was (sic) no one essentially helping."
Hall found Richards lying in the middle of the street
as thousands of fans ran away from the scene. That was when Hall turned back to
help the victim.
"No pulse, no breathing, gunshot wound to the back and
started CPR right away," said Hall. "I was willing him back the best I could."
5/31/2012 Related Story: Big Changes
Coming To Bricktown Following Shooting
The bullet hit Richards in the back. It tore through
his kidney, liver and heart. The bullet caused serious internal injuries and,
at the time, doctors did not think Richards would survive.
"Transferring him over to the O.R. table he lost vital
signs. He died for lack of a better term," explained William S. Havron III, M.D.
Despite a bleak outlook after the shooting, Richards
made a full recovery.
"The last thing I remember is standing up and that was
it. I remember after I stood up, I fell and then after that it was just all
blank. And I remember waking up a week later with my family and friends
standing around me."
5/22/2012
Related Story: OKC Mayor: 'Thunder Alley' As We Know It Can't Continue
Richards credits Hall's quick thinking at the scene
for giving doctor's the chance to save his life.
"I'm so thankful. God put him at the right place at
the right time. It definitely gives you new perspective on life," Richards
said.
More than eight
months later, Norman Richards had the opportunity to meet and thank Brandon
Hall for helping him survive the shooting.
Brandon Hall (Center), Norman Richards, (Left)
