Paramedics Honor Moore Victims With ‘Heart Of A Lion’ Fundraiser

It’s been one month since an alleged drunk driver ran over seven Moore High School students near campus.

Three of the students passed away, and the suspect, Max Townsend, is still locked up in the Cleveland County jail.

Related Story: Police Obtain Search Warrant For Suspect In Moore High School Tragedy

News 9 has covered various fundraisers, funerals and memorial stories alongside the community.

But on Wednesday, News 9 heard from the first paramedics who were on scene following the deadly hit-and-run.

“Information we got was somebody was running over children at the high school,” said Gary Martin, EMSSTAT paramedic.

“We dropped everything right there, and took off running,” said Melissa Scarberry, Gary’s partner and another EMSSTAT paramedic. “We got here...The only way I can describe it, I have only been a paramedic for five years, is maybe what a war zone would be like. I wish we could have done more. We did everything we could.”

The victims were cross-country runners who were jogging on the sidewalk during practice.

Rachel Freeman died on scene, Yuridia Martinez died at the hospital and Kolby Crum passed away weeks later.

The suspect, Max Townsend was stopped by a group of students up the street.

He is accused of jumping the curb and running over the students while being intoxicated.

Investigators have charged him with over a dozen crimes.

While police preformed a sobriety test, heroes jumped into action to try and save the injured.

“We both split up to check the victims on the ground, I noticed how the police and the bystanders were all helping the victims,” said Martin.

Still tangled in grief, the paramedics came up with a way to help.

They've since organized a bike rally, benefit poker run that will create a scholarship to honor the victims.

Someday, paramedics want to meet the survivors, and families of those who lost children.

They urge others to never take a moment for granted.

“I would tell any mom or dad dropping their child off to school, always make sure you love them, kiss them goodbye, because that might be their last moment,” said Scarberry.