Wade Stirling Handsaker attempted to save Herbert Bepler from being struck by a train, Bellingham, Washington, October 20, 1999. Bepler, 70, was in his motorized wheelchair, which had become lodged at a crossing just next to a track on which a train was approaching at about 30 m.p.h. Moments earlier, Handsaker, 18, college student, had bicycled past Bepler, before he became stranded. Aware of the approaching train, Handsaker turned to check on Bepler and saw his situation. Handsaker immediately returned to the crossing, where he approached the wheelchair and worked to move it away from the track as the train bore down at undiminished speed. A projection of the lead locomotive struck Bepler about the lower left leg, severing it. Bepler was taken to the hospital for treatment, then he underwent rehabilitation. He recovered.
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