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PROVO — It was difficult for Lori Walker to hold back tears as she publicly thanked the three men who saved her life.
Nathan Hammond, Mark Pierce and Eric Staten were all recognized Monday night at an event the Walker family organized in their honor.
“I mean, how do you thank someone for giving you your life, your time with your kids and your family?” Walker said.
On February 15, Walker and her children drove up to their cabin in Heber. She said when they arrived, she smelled gas and told her kids to wait in the car, as she headed into the cabin.
Moments after entering the home, it exploded.
Three families nearby heard and felt the blast and saw the flames. Without hesitation, they ran into the home locating Walker in the basement and pulled her to safety.
Walker said although she did not remember anything from that night, she felt it was important to let the community know what her neighbors’ actions meant to her and her family.
Walker said the experience, although difficult, has made her even stronger.
“I am just going to fight hard,” she said. “I just want to work hard and become capable of serving back. I mean, I’ve got a lot of thank you notes to write.”
Hundreds of friends, family and community members filled the Covey Center in Provo for the celebration of “Courage and Kindness” event.
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'In the nick of time': Neighbors recount rescuing woman from home explosion
Mark Pierce was enjoying a quiet Friday night with his wife in their Timber Lakes cabin when they heard a loud boom.Walker shared with her supporters that she had a long road to recovery with daily hospital visits. She was initially in a coma and suffered a broken leg, broken bones in her face, and severe burns.
She said she was just grateful to be alive thanks to the quick actions of three complete strangers.
“I just don’t know how to say ‘thank you’, for saving my life,” Walker said.
