BY RILEY WILSON
A Eudora resident was hailed a hero Wednesday night for his recent actions that saved the life of Tina Jinkens.
Bryce Stude was leaving Sonic on his moped Aug. 22 when he witnessed a semi hit Jinkens, who was walking across Church Street at the time and became trapped under the truck.
“I immediately hit the gas on my moped and got in front of him, probably a good 20 feet in front of him,” Stude said.
After stopping the truck, Stude said he pulled Jinkens out from under it. Stude, 26, said he and the truck driver kept her responsive until emergency services arrived.
“I was just somebody there at the right time and right place,” Stude said.
His reaction to this incident earned him a Lifesaving Valor Award from the City of Eudora Fire and EMS Department, which recognized Stude with a ceremony Wednesday.
Stude said he felt humbled to be honored. Fire Chief Ken Keiter said the award is given “anytime somebody does an extraordinary task that saves the life of another.”
At the ceremony, Keiter called Stude a hero and said his reaction to the incident was a true act of bravery.
“There’s very little thought process in that type of an action, it’s more of a reaction,” Keiter said.
Keiter said Jinkens is like an icon in the Eudora community, as she’s involved in her church, Eudora Lions Club, Life Runners, Eudora Parks and Recreation, and the nursing home.
Hearing through the emergency call that it was Jinkens who had been struck hit home for Keiter.
“You kind of have to stand back a little bit. It’s like a family member,” Keiter said.
Jinkens was transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center to receive medical attention.
Her parents, Bill and Marion Jinkens from Punta Gorda, Florida, attended the ceremony to thank Stude and Eudora emergency services for their actions. Both have been with their daughter since the incident six weeks ago.
“We just want to be able to express our gratitude to the people that deserve it,” Marion Jinkens said.
Tina Jinkens stood for the first time Tuesday since being admitted, with assistance from her physical and occupational therapists, Bill Jinkens said.
He said the external fixator put on her pelvis to help stabilize it will be taken off today and his daughter is getting better at speaking.
“We got the call that no parent ever wants to hear, and we’re going to make it,” Marion Jinkens said.
To follow further updates, go to the Prayers for Tina Jinkens Facebook group.
Reach reporter Riley Wilson at eudoratimes@gmail.com.
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