The fireman who tried to save Southwest Airlines passenger Jennifer Riordan spoke out on CNN’s “New Day” Friday and said he was inspired by God to step in and help.
“God created a servant heart in me. And I felt the calling to get up and do something, stand up and act,” Andrew Needum said.
Needum said he was doing what any firefighter across the country would have done.
“I’m no different than any other firefighter in this country,” he said. “For some reason, whatever reason that is, it was me that day.”
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A few rows behind Needum was passenger Tim McGinty. He was the first one to step in to help but was also unable to save Riordan by himself. After Needum came over to assist McGinty, they were able to pull her in. She later succumbed to her wounds and died.
“I tried and tried and tried and I couldn’t I just couldn’t. And then Andrew came over, just trying to get her back in,” McGinty said.
Needum and registered nurse Peggy Phillips attempted CPR for about 20 minutes but were unable to revive her due to massive head trauma.
“I feel for her family,” Needum concluded. “I feel for her two kids, her husband, the community that she lived in. I can’t imagine what they’re going through.”
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