Bridger Walker, the 6-year-old boy from Wyoming who has gained social media recognition for saving his sister from a dog attack, is getting an awesome gift from Captain America star Chris Evans.
In a video message to Walker, Evans praised the little boy’s bravery for jumping into action when a 1-year-old old German shepherd mix charged toward his 4-year-old sister. And to further acknowledge Walker’s selfless act, the Marvel actor told the young real-life hero ― who happens to be an Avengers fan ― that he’s sending him an authentic Captain America shield.
“Captain America here, so I read your story, I saw what you did and I’m sure you heard a lot of this over the last couple days, but let me be the next one to tell you, 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,” Evans said in the video message posted to an Instagram page started by Walker’s aunt. “I’m going to track down your address and I’m going to send you an authentic Captain America shield because pal, you deserve it.”
“Keep being the man you are. We need people like you,” Evans told Walker before ending the video message. “Hang in there. I know recovery might be tough but based on what I’ve seen, I don’t think there’s much that could slow you down.”
While rescuing his sister, Walker was brutally attacked by the dog. “Tragically, instead of running off, the dog leaped and latched onto Bridger’s cheek,” a statement from the family reads in part. When asked by his father why he jumped in between his sister and the dog, Walker is said to have told them, “if someone had to die, I thought it should be me.” The July 9th incident led to Walker undergoing a two-hour surgery that involved more than 90 stitches.
As seen in the video below, Spider-Man actor Tom Holland also reached out to Walker.
Walker’s bravery also caught Anne Hathaway’s attention. In an Instagram post, the actress wished the boy a speedy recovery.
According to Walker’s family, Logan’s Hugh Jackman, Shazam!’s Zachary Levi, The Flash’s Robbie Amell, and Avengers’ Russo brothers have also reached out to them.