News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

ryland-ward-main_article_image.jpg
Family Handout
World News

6-year-old Texas church shooting survivor home from hospital

by Tola Mbakwe

Then five-year-old Ryland Ward was part of a Sunday morning service at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs in which a gunman stormed in and killed 26 people, including an unborn child.

Ryland, who was shot several times in November, received a special homecoming on Thursday when he rode around the rural town in fire truck.

Volunteer firefighter Rusty Duncan was a first responder that day and told ABC News he was the one who found Ryland and pulled him to safety.

Duncan said when he responded to the scene, he went through the aisles and "started checking for people's pulses".

He added: "That's where Ryland's hand reached out from under his stepmom and grabbed my pant leg. I rolled her over and grabbed him and started running outside with him."

Duncan said Ryland's step-mother died in the attack. 

Ryland's grandmother, Sandy Ward, told ABC News it was a "miracle" that Ryland survived and he is still recovering. She said he drags his left foot when he tries to walk, and also has limited use of his hip.

Duncan paid numerous visits to the hospital to see Ryland and told ABC News: "This little boy has the best fighting spirit I've ever seen out of anybody in my entire life.

"He's kept me going this whole time. Even when I was giving up ... just thinking about him and being around him makes me smile."

According to the church's Facebook page, Ryland is the final survivor to be released from hospital.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate