A six-year-old boy from Cheyenne, Wyoming, is being hailed as a hero after coming to his younger sister's rescue by protecting her from a dog attack.
The story about Bridger Walker— who sustained severe bite wounds to his face while protecting his sister— captivated the public.
One person who was impressed was Chris Evans, the actor who played Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
In a video posted to Instagram by the boy's aunt—Nicole Noel Walker—the actor told the boy in a special message:
"I read your story and saw what you did. Pal, you're a hero, what you did was so brave, so selfless—your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother. Your parents must be so proud of you."
According to Nicole, her nephew put himself in harm's way to protect his sister.
After the dog bit him multiple times, Bridger managed to grab his sister's hand and bring her to safety.
Bridger had bite wounds on his cheek, mouth and near his left eye from the canine's attack.
He received roughly 90 stitches, according to Nicole's Instagram post.
from pics
The young hero reportedly told his aunt:
"If someone had to die, I thought it should be me."
The proud aunt posted photos of Bridger and his sister on Instagram and tagged a number of actors known for their superhero roles to apprise them about their family's own hero.
On her Instagram page, Nicole wrote:
"We love our brave boy and want all the other superheroes to know about this latest hero who joined their ranks."
Walker followed up on her initial posts with a statement by Bridger's parents.
You can read their full statement by scrolling right with the arrow on her Instagram post below.
The parents stated they do not need financial assistance and any funds set up to collect money for their family were not authorized by them. In lieu of donations to them, they suggested several charities people can donate to: Mission 22, Operation Underground Railroad and The Wounded Warrior Project.
They also asked the public not to vilify the dog's owners because they "love them."
The video of Evans was shown with another video featuring Bridger—who was fully decked out in a Captain America costume—watching the playback of the personalized message.
From one hero to another—Evans promised to find the boy's address so that he could send him an authentic Captain America shield for his bravery.
"Pal, you deserve it. Keep being the man you are. We need people like you."
Regarding the boy's road to recovery, Evans continued:
"Hang in there. I know recovery might be tough but based on what I've seen I don't think there's much that can slow you down."
The internet swooned over the interaction.
It's amazing to me that the actors who are cast in Marvel Films never appear to get in any trouble and are always nice to children Especially @ChrisEvans.
— James (@Richjb77) July 16, 2020
The sweet smile Bridger has at the end despite the pain..awww! He's a champ! Chris is a sweet man to take time out from his busy schedule to do this message
— ReneeAshb (@AshbRenee) July 16, 2020
Captain America is even more awesome when he talks to real other Heroes!🇺🇸❤️😎😍👍
— James Bustamante (@jsbustaman) July 16, 2020
I'm deeply touched pic.twitter.com/z8VEISNl8t
— George (@Bizarre__George) July 16, 2020
At 6 years old Bridger is already a legit hero.
And @ChrisEvans, you're a class act for sending that video to him. This world needs more men like you.
— Cheyenne (@CheyenneGames) July 16, 2020
I knew there was a reason Captain America was my favourite superhero 💙 pic.twitter.com/2jvVKokif4
— 🌸nimkaz90🌸 (@zakskaz90) July 16, 2020
I'm at the point of tears! God Bless you @ChrisEvans for this act of true heroic kindness! And God Bless little Bridger for being a TRUE HERO!💙
— Rkiay Sorceress (@RuthHakobian) July 16, 2020
I'm a 57 year old man and I'm crying like a baby. Bridger you are a special light from God. And Chris, thank you, thank you, thank you for “getting it". May God bless you both. Peace and Love.
— Glenn Center (@everbladesmusic) July 16, 2020
According to EW, Mark Ruffalo (Hulk) was the first celebrity to reach out to Bridger, calling him "more of a man than many, many I have seen or known."
Others including, Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Zachary Levi (of Shazam! fame), Robbie Amell (who plays Firestorm on The Flash), Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Anne Hathaway (Catwoman), the Russo brothers (who directed four MCU films), Grant Gustin (who plays the Flash on The CW), and others also praised Bridger for his heroism.
Bridger's aunt also posted a video featuring her nephew and Tom Holland.
Nicole reiterated that Bridger's family holds no ill-will toward the dog owners—who she said are "really great people who have been nothing but kind to Bridger and his family."
"We feel no resentment toward them at all, and—if anything—there's only been an increase of love between our families as a result of this incident."
Nicole added that Bridger is doing well while recovering.
"He's in great spirits, and his awesome personality is intact."
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. And at six-years-old, Bridger Walker seems destined for great things.
May the little hero have a speedy recovery.