Woman Rescues Neighbor from Burning Lawn Mower
Woman Rescues Neighbor from Burning Lawn Mower Save Email Print
Posted: 7:51 PM Aug 26, 2008
 Last Updated: 7:55 PM Aug 26, 2008
 Reporter: Bill Murray
Email Address: bill.murray@wsaz.com
35 comments
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WHEELERSBURG, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Two strangers who live homes apart were brought together by the threat of tragedy.

It was a dangerous, but rewarding way of saying "howdy neighbor."

Andrew McGowan is disabled but likes to help neighbors mow their grass. But recently his routine came to a blistering stop.

“I know that something's wrong with it, then all of the sudden, it just went poof,” McGowan said.

His lawn mower caught fire. Mr. McGowan has had a stroke and lost a leg to diabetes, so basically he was trapped, surrounded by flames when his neighbor, Stephanie Collins, yanked him to safety.

“I ran over to him, got my arms up underneath him and I just pulled him off to the side," Collins said.

“I don't know what I would have done if she hadn't got him off there,” Peggy McGowan, his wife, said. “He could have been burned alive."

Before the accident, the neighbors had never formally met. Now, their relationship's seared by the creed.

“I just didn't think. He was in danger. I can't teach my kids to do the right thing if I don't do it. If I turned around and let him be, how is that an example for my children?" Collins said.
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Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 28, 2008 at 09:59 PM
Great Job not thinking of yourself for once!
Posted by: Mom and Dad on Aug 28, 2008 at 07:26 PM
We are the parents of Ms Stephanie Collins. We have held off until now to make any comments about Stephanie's actions. We are far too proud of her and her actions to take this lightly. Let me start by saying there is not nearly enough space her for us to say what we really think of Stephanie as a whole and her actions in this event. We all raise our children, hoping that we have instilled the best of traits and responsibilities in them. However, there are some actions that you cannot train any child to do. This is one of those cases. Stephanie acted out of instinct and the preservation of others. How can you ever teach anyone to do that? We are so amazingly proud of her for her actions in helping Mr. McGowan. We are almost beyond words in our ability to express our love and pride in her. If there is a "Hometown Hero" process, I know Stephanie deserves consideration for this award. This was an absolute selfless act of bravery. Her mother and I are deeply proud of her.
Posted by: Tony and Ian on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:32 AM
We want you to know how proud we are of you, that was a brave thing you did. I'm glad the story was told everyone needed to hear that. We love you.
Posted by: Alyssa on Aug 28, 2008 at 09:18 AM
To Syl, thank you for the helpful info. I hadn't seen a hometown hero awarded in a while and couldn't remember what to do, so thanks a lot for clearing up what to do. Much appreciated. You're a sweet person for letting us know what to do.
Posted by: Debbie on Aug 28, 2008 at 07:55 AM
Thanks, Stephanie...your comments about us being an example to our children are right on. I'm sure yours are very proud of you...as are those of us who are touched by your ultimate act of kindness and courage. God Bless.
Posted by: Lynn on Aug 28, 2008 at 03:24 AM
I live in the Burg and am so proud of Steph for helping a total stranger, The Lord was sure watching over Mr. McGowan. As for Lowes giving him a new lawnmower, yes they should but Lowes don't give anything without a big fight. Or as we call them around here SLOWS.
Posted by: Syl on Aug 28, 2008 at 01:49 AM
To Alyssa: Honey, they tell you every time they show a hometown hero what to do to nominate someone. Go up to the News Features link at the top of the page, click it, then click the Hometown Hero tab. You can fill out an application there to nominate someone.
Posted by: way to go on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:52 AM
I dont know any of you..but i like to read and i have to agree..he needs a new mower and she should be awarded hometown hero..thanks stephaine for being a good person we need more of you..
Posted by: Darin & Elaine on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:40 PM
Way to go Stephanie! Totally selfless. We're proud of you.
Posted by: jon on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Good job! Google Murray Riding Mowers and look at the recalls on the gas tanks. I got mine replaced free because it started leaking. Saved 40 bucks and caught it before I had an accident. I wonder if this mower was a Murry?
Posted by: stephs best friend of 25 years on Aug 27, 2008 at 03:18 PM
proud of you steph, you did a wonderful thing. sorry i didn't hear about it until late, so i'm so proud of you and i'm so glad that mr. mcgowan is allright. call me later!!!
Posted by: Alyssa on Aug 27, 2008 at 02:54 PM
I don't know what you have to do to vote this lady "hometown hero", but I do believe she deserves the honor and I'm sure the gentleman she saved and his family would agree. People always get "air time" for the bad and wrong that they do, lets give up some "bad" air time for someone who did "good". WSAZ, let the viewers know what to do to get this lady a hometown hero award. She really does deserve it! What a great story!
Posted by: Gale on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I agree that both should be hometown heroes. It is wonderful to have affirmation that there ARE honorable, caring people in a world where we are bombarded constantly with stories of crime and man's inhumanity towards man.
Posted by: Bryan on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Anonymous- I will have to agree with you. Unless there is someone to blame the story stays a story instead of a heated debate that turns personal for no reason other than very few people can wake up and start thier day with a smile. My advice is count your blessings everyday and if you can make a change for the good give it your best.
Posted by: Faye on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Makes proud to live in Wheelersburg. Hometown Heroes for sure. Hey Lowes, How about giving Mr. McGowan a new riding mower!
Posted by: Marsha on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I say ditto to all the previous comments.I am sure Stephanie's family are very proud of her and Mr. McGowan must be one swell fellow to help his neighbors out with his health problems.
Posted by: Stacy on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:05 AM
What a brave lady Ms Collins is. Thank goodness she was at the right place at the right time. I'm glad both are doing ok. Great story WSAZ!
Posted by: Amy on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:37 AM
Wow; I am so glad that there was someone to help this nice man who helps other people. Thanks 4 sharing WSAZ, and many thanks and to you for being a hero. You very well could have saved this man's life--that's a hero! May God Bless!
Posted by: Brenda on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:25 AM
What a touching story! Such a wonderful heroic act from Stephanie Collins. I'm so glad that they both are unhurt.
Posted by: Your Friends on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Way to go Stephanie! We are proud of you!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:45 AM
very good story.
Posted by: Jenni on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:40 AM
I am very glad there are some amazing people like Ms. Collins still in the world. She does deserve to be hometown hero. I am glad Mr. McGowan is ok. Thank you Ms. Collins for saving his life.
Posted by: sad friend on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:36 AM
it's nice to know that we still have people that care for one another i wish some one was there to save my friend April.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:13 AM
god bless.
Posted by: Dawn on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:06 AM
Great to hear that neighbors/strangers help someone. You dont find that much
Posted by: JL on Aug 27, 2008 at 06:41 AM
You go girl!!!!!
Posted by: Foxy on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:52 AM
Hats off to Ms. Collins. A very good deed. Your children will be proud. If only ALL parents would DO such good deeds this world may have a chance.
Posted by: Elaine on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:49 AM
Sounds like a real nice person. not many of those left ...I am glad she was there to help the man get from the mower..hats off to both of you...
Posted by: Jess on Aug 26, 2008 at 11:35 PM
It so nice to hear something nice on here. A great story both seem like great people.
Posted by: wonderful on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Wow I love NICE stories! I say Hometown Hero for sure!
Posted by: Renee on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:19 PM
It is nice to hear that one stranger helped another stranger in dire need without thinking about themselves or the danger they were in. I think Stephanie Collins is a hero, she risked her life to save the life of her neighbor Andrew McGowan when he couldn't help himself. Hope they will become the best of neighbors and the best of friends for life. Too bad more people in this crazy, cruel world doesn't try to help another instead of always wanting hurting someone else in one form or another.
Posted by: sambo on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:59 PM
Both should be nominated for "Hometown Hero".
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Kudos to Ms. Collins. So many times people turn the other cheek. It goes to show that there are decent people in this world. Thanks to WSAZ for airing positive news! Glad in this story everyone is ok.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Hmmm, people often complain on here about all of the bad things that happen in the news and when something like this happens, nobody responds. Just goes to show that people will focus more on the bad things in life. God works in mysterious ways...
Posted by: mom of 2 on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:16 PM
aww...such a sweet story of kindness; that is awesome there is caring people out there, i'm glad he is ok now and that brought a new friendship together...good ending.
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