Mundelein student honored for saving man’s life

A Mundelein student’s decision to not just pass by a man in trouble saved the stranger’s life, according to village officials.

Hazel Walker was on her way home from Mundelein High School on Jan. 28 when she noticed a man with his face down in a puddle of muddy water, according to officials. She attempted to drag the man from the water and turn him over on his back and then called 911. The man was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville where he was found to be in cardiac arrest with hypothermia.

Dr. Michael Pearlman, emergency room physician, said without Walker’s help and the first responders’ care the man — who recovered after extensive critical care in the hospital — “could have easily died.”

The Mundelein village board presented Walker with the Mundelein Good Neighbor Award for her “alertness, concern for others, responsiveness and bravery.”

“I am really proud of Ms. Walker. Many times, people look the other way and would rather not get involved. More people need to be like her and do the right thing” said Mayor Kenneth Kessler.

Walker could not be immediately reached for comment.