Shooting Victim Meets Man Who Saved His Life

“God had him downtown for a reason and that reason was to save my life. It's a blessing. I'm really happy I could meet him.”

Nearly a year after the heroic act, Norman Richards comes face to face with the man who saved his life.

“I gave him a big hug and said thank you.”

In May, Norman was shot after a Thunder Playoff game. The bullet went through his heart, ricocheted off a rib and then went into his heart again. Norman lay lifeless on the street.

“Seeing Norman laying on the ground. I didn’t hesitate. I knew he needed help,” said Brandon Hall.

That's when bystander Brandon Hall sprang into action.

“Immediately I started CPR.”

Brandon continued compressions until help arrived. As paramedics loaded Norman into the ambulance, Brandon was fearful he might not survive.

“I just prayed that he was ok.”

After several surgeries, 21 days in the hospital and weeks of rehab, Norman is able to tell his tale.

“If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be here today.”

And for the first time see a picture from that night.

“It’s kind of weird to see yourself right there and knowing you are on the edge of death.”

Norman said he will never be able to express his gratitude but he did present Brandon with the 2013 Oklahoma Heart Hero Award.

“To him he's probably not a hero but to me he definitely is,” said Norman.  

“It’s a great feeling knowing I just happened to be in the right place at the right time,” said Brandon. 

Brandon said while he is honored for the title he just did what anybody would do.

“I don’t view myself that way. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

He said seeing the progress Norman has made is the best reward he could ask for.

“It's something I will never forget.” 

Shooting Victim Meets Man Who Saved His Life

Posted: Friday, February 1 2013, 09:25 PM CST