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‘Courage beyond his years’: Boy, 16, dubbed ‘Black Aquaman’ for swimming to man's rescue during Montgomery Alabama brawl
The brawl began after a group of boaters attacked a Montgomery Riverfront dock worker, according to witnesses
A 16-year-old boy is being referred to as ‘Black Aquaman’ after he jumped into an Alabama river and swam to a dock to help a staffer being beaten up during a brawl.A massive brawl broke out on Saturday, August 5, on a dock in Alabama. Dozens of people were involved in the fight, which has been captured on video. The battle began after a group of boaters attacked a Montgomery Riverfront dock worker, according to witnesses, New York Post reported.
The teen has been identified only as Aaren. He was one of the many people who had rushed to help the black security guard being attacked.Makina Lashea, a representative for Aaren’s family, said the family was proud of the nickname he has earned. “In the face of adversity, Aaren selflessly came to the rescue of a fellow colleague, showcasing courage beyond his years,” Lashea said in a statement on Facebook.“The overwhelming love and support pouring in from all corners of the state and surrounding areas have deeply touched Aaeren.”
What happened during the brawl?
The incident took place at the 200 block of Coosa Street at about 7 pm on Saturday, police have confirmed. As per a witness, the group of boaters refused to move their pontoon to allow the Harriott II Riverboat to dock. Some tweets suggested that the fight was racial as “white people jumped this black security guard,” but there is no official statement on racism being involved. The incident was caught on camera.
In a video, a shirtless man is seen starting the fight, running up and punching the dock worker in the face. The two then struggle, before two more men join in to assault the staffer. A woman is heard screaming and urging others to help.
Aaren is then seen running to the dock and jumping in the river, swimming over to help the staffer being beaten up. Several other people quickly approach the area, trying to defend the worker. Officers eventually intervened, and as many as four active warrants were issued by Montogomery police as of Sunday, August 6.
The video went viral on social media, and many were quick to point out Aaren’s swift action.“We are immensely proud of his actions and the values he exemplifies, standing as an inspiration to us all,” Makina said. “Your messages and gestures of appreciation have not gone unnoticed, and they have left a lasting impact on Aaren and his family.” She added, “We assure you that he will continue being a force for good in the world.”
