In her role as NBC journalist, Ann Curry has reported from some of the world’s hot spots, including Afghanistan, Iraq and Darfur. But when she experienced an unexpected injury on a New Jersey hiking trail, Curry found herself assisted by the Boy Scouts of America.
Writing in Scouting Magazine, Bryan Wendell says Scouts from Berkeley Heights encountered Curry on a trail in Harriman State Park in New York. Curry, 57, had broken her ankle.
“We were hiking along, and we came to a trail intersection,” Scouter Rick Jurgens said, “and a lady was sitting on the ground with her one leg out. We didn’t think anything of it, but one of the guys asked if everything is OK. She said, ‘No, not really. I think I broke my ankle.’ She told us to keep going, but the guys refused.”
Although Jurgens said he recognized Curry’s voice instantly, his scouts had no idea it was the famous TV journalist. Regardless, they went to work creating a splint for Curry.
“We work on these requirements, and here’s an opportunity where it was a true test of all those First Class, Second Class first-aid requirements,” Jurgens said. “They got to use it and use it for real. And they did an outstanding job.”
However, Curry still wasn’t able to make it down the trail on her own. So, the Scouts “started running into the woods,” and returned with wood, which they combined with tarp, to craft a makeshift stretcher to help carry Curry to the trailhead where her husband and son had gone for help.
By that point, forest rangers had shown up after Curry’s accident was reported.
“They asked, ‘Is there somebody up there who needs rescuing?’ And we said, ‘It’s taken care of,’” Jurgens said. The Scouts then drove Curry and her family to a nearby hospital.
Curry then handwrote a thank you letter that was delivered to each of the nine scouts involved in the rescue operation.
“I feel enormously lucky you came along at just the right moment, and were so willing to help a stranger in need,” Curry wrote. “You are a credit to the Boy Scouts and to your families, and I want you to know I am deeply grateful for your kindness and skill.”
On Friday, Curry also wrote a thank you tweet to the Scout troop for her 1.43 million followers.
