Conrad Buchanan

I didn't stumble across this story until today. It was lost in the shuffle like so many other stories, but I think it is one worth reading. Basically, it is a celebration of a life that was offered up in an act of heroism. Was, because Conrad died December 27, 2006. Most of what is on the net right now are obituaries. He was 34 when he died.

His fame comes from an attempt to save the life of a woman who was attempting suicide. Julie Light was an aging actress who was suffering from cancer and was grieving the loss of her husband. Ms. Light stood six floors above Conrad as he tried to talk her out of jumping. She jumped anyways and he attempted to break her fall to save her life. She died soon after the fall, and he suffered from a broken neck that left him a quadriplegic. He was 26, and when asked if he would do it again, he said yes. He did not think of it as an act of heroism (so few do, it seems), but instead he thought it part of his job as a security guard at the Sherman Oaks Galleria.

After the event, Conrad required 24 hour care and was never able to hold his infant daughter, who had not yet been born at the time of the accident. But, he remained upbeat and never complained and continued to live his life as best he could under the circumstances. He did receive some recognition soon after the event, but the notoriety wore off and time slipped by and people went along with their business.

This is my tribute to another ordinary guy doing extraordinary things. Conrad is the kind of person I wish we could clone -- personality and courage included. Thanks Conrad. May the space you find yourself in now be filled with light and no more pain.