Hero teen gave mum the chance to look into her dying son’s eyes
David Mason, who has autism and ADHD, broke his back jumping from a window to escape the blaze
Ethan Mason(Image: Courtesy of Jessica Causer / SWNS)
A grief-stricken mother was able to share a final moment with her dying son thanks to the heroic actions of his autistic brother, the family has disclosed.
Article continues below
David Mason, 19, was playing video games when a fire broke out at their Wigan home in Greater Manchester around 1am on April 14. He quickly woke his parents and called 999 before jumping from his bedroom window to safety, breaking his back in the process.
His father, Barry, 45, tragically lost his life while saving David’s younger brother Ethan, 4, from the blaze, which is believed to have started in a kitchen fridge.
Article continues below
READ MORE: Inside the home of a depraved rapist whose crimes appalled the most hardened of cops
Despite suffering serious burns, David managed to roll Ethan on the ground to extinguish the flames and attempted to rescue his father before firefighters arrived. David carried Ethan – who later passed away – to the front of the house, allowing his mother Rachel to hold him one last time.
David and Rachel, 41, survived the fire along with siblings Isaac, 14, and Bethany, 16.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info
Their aunt, Jessica Causer, praised David’s bravery, stating: “David is a hero like his Daddy and without him nobody would have survived. Without hesitation and with a broken back, David reached in and pulled Ethan from the fire, seriously burning himself in the process.
“Once he had rolled Ethan on the grass to put out the flames he attempted to pull out his daddy too just as the firefighters turned up to take over. He then carried Ethan to the front and placed him in his mother’s arms allowing her the last chance to hold him and look into his eyes.
“Because of David’s brave actions, before Ethan lost consciousness, the last thing he saw and felt was his mummy’s comfort. The last thing his daddy saw before he passed away was Ethan being rescued by his big brother.”