Thanks to some quick thinking, a 13-year-old boy became a hero while backpacking with his father in the Idaho wilderness.
Charlie Wilstead Finlayson was hiking and rock climbing with his father, David Finlayson, on August 17 when a refrigerator-sized boulder fell and struck David.
The 52-year-old broke his left arm and leg. He tried to carry himself further back along the trail to the campsite, but he was too weak. David told his son to hike 13 miles back alone to seek help.
He handed his son a note that had his location and read, "I cannot walk so I need a rescue, unfortunately. Please help Charlie find one for me," according to KTVB.
"I was saying a lot of prayers before I left," Charlie told the station.
Eventually, after the long trek Charlie found a man who called authorities. The Lemhi County Sheriff's Office sent a helicopter to the rescue. The boy's father had to undergo two surgeries, and has another one planned, but he is thankful to be alive. He credits his son for saving his life.
"He's a tough kid," the proud dad said.
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