Army Player Larry Pickett Jr. Rescues Man from Burning Car

An Army football player, Larry Pickett Jr., and his father, Larry Pickett Sr., rescued a man from a burning vehicle following a car crash near the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The incident occurred early on Sunday, September 3, 2023, after the man’s white sedan collided with a utility pole on Route 9W in Fort Montgomery, New York, approximately 3.8 miles from the academy.

Video footage captured by Pickett Jr.’s sister, Lauren, shows the two Picketts pulling the man from the driver’s seat just moments before the car ignited. As they carried him to safety, a woman off-screen urged them to hurry. The video highlights sparks from downed power lines surrounding the vehicle, underscoring the danger of the situation.

The Picketts were returning to campus after a family dinner in Times Square when they encountered the crash. They remained with the injured man until emergency services arrived. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Pickett Sr. expressed his admiration for his son’s bravery, stating, “Just after midnight, I watched in awe as my son, Larry Pickett Jr., ran toward a burning vehicle, ignoring the downed power lines crackling around it. With immense courage, he pulled a man to safety, saving him from a fiery fate.”

Military training played a crucial role in the rescue, as Pickett Jr. later mentioned that his instincts kicked in during the emergency. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll recognized the young athlete’s actions, stating in a social media post that Pickett Jr. “embodies the highest values of the Army and West Point: duty, honor, country.” Driscoll added, “He showed that he can stand ready to act under pressure, whether on the football field, in his community, or in the future with the Soldiers under his command.”

The U.S. Military Academy echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in the actions of both Picketts. Tom Theodorakis, the academy’s athletic director, commented that their conduct reflects the leadership, courage, and selfless service that the institution strives to instill in its cadets. “Cadet Larry Pickett Jr. and his father exemplify the values we hold dear, stepping up in a moment of crisis to save a life,” Theodorakis noted.

Pickett Jr.’s remarkable act of heroism followed his participation in the Army Black Knights’ season opener against Tarleton State on September 1, 2023. In that game, he contributed to a tackle on a kickoff during the first quarter. The Black Knights fell short in a close match, losing 30-27 in overtime. His next game is scheduled for September 6, 2023, against Kansas State.

Reflecting on the rescue, Pickett Sr. expressed gratitude for the man’s survival, stating, “Thank you Jesus that this man will live to see another day! I am so grateful for my son LJ for saving his life!” His post included videos of Pickett Jr. on the field and mentions of his recognition as Army football’s “Skill Worker of the Week,” as well as his feature in the EA Sports College Football 26 video game.

The actions of Larry Pickett Jr. serve as a testament to the character that the U.S. Military Academy seeks to cultivate, demonstrating readiness to go into the line of fire not only for one’s country but for anyone in need.