An Unlikely Hero

Back in 1996 Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympics. Famously, Juan Antonio Samaranch did not bestow his traditional closing "best games ever" compliment.

The games were marred by a bombing in Centennial Park on the outskirts of downtown. A couple of people were killed and several more people were wounded. The number of casualties were relatively low because a pudgy security guard saw the back pack that contained the explosives and herded people away before the bomb exploded.

For his trouble, he was attacked in the media as a suspect in the bombing. Without going through all the details, all of the networks and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution had at best, inaccurate, and at worst defamatory reports about the allegations. We learned the identity of the bomber and caught him years after the fact, Eric Rudolph.

Oh, the guard's name? Richard Jewell. He sued and settled with everyone but the AJC. Since then, he worked with small town police departments. As reported by the AJC today:

"A year ago this month, Jewell was commended by Gov. Sonny Perdue at an event marking the 10th anniversary of the bombing.

"'The bottom line is this: His actions saved lives that day,' said Perdue. 'Mr. Jewell, on behalf of Georgia, we want to thank you for keeping Georgians safe and doing your job during the course of those Games.'

Jewell, his voice choked with emotion, responded:

'I never sought to be a hero. I have always viewed myself as just one of the many trained professionals who simply did his or her job that tragic night. I wish I could have done more.'

Why post this? Richard Jewell was found dead in his home this morning, apparently having died from complications of diabetes. His death was reported by the AJC. I hope they do a nice obituary for him.