A little boy from Cheyenne, Wyoming is being hailed a hero this week after putting his life on the line to protect his little sister from a dog attack.
On July 9, Bridger Walker made the brave decision to place himself between his 4-year-old sister, and an angry “German Shepherd mix” who was charging at her. Despite being brutally bitten several times on the head and face, the 6-year-old was able to grab his sister’s hand and lead her to safety.
Following the dog attack, Bridger underwent a two-hour surgery in which he received 90 stitches, the family said in a statement.
When his father asked him why he jumped between his sister and the dog, Bridger said, “if someone had to die, I thought it should be me.”
Blown away by his selflessness and heroism, Bridger’s aunt, Nicole Walker, started an Instagram page where she shared the boy’s story and called on his favorite Avengers stars so they can “learn about this latest addition to their ranks.”
And boy did they deliver.
After learning of Bridger’s heroism, several of the Avengers sent messages of encouragement to their mighty fan.
“Dear Bridger, I just read about what happened to you and I wanted to reach out to say this,” Mark Ruffalo, who plays the Incredible Hulk, started his comment. “People who put the well beings of others in front of themselves are the most heroic and thoughtful people I know. I truly respect and admire your courage and your heart.”
He continued, “Real courage isn’t dominating people or fighting against people or walking around like a tough guy. Real courage is knowing what is right to do and doing it even when it might end up hurting you somehow. You are more of man than many, many I have seen or known. With Admiration…Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/Hulk/Professor).”
Captain America star Chris Evans took things a step further with a video message for Bridger. His aunt shared the message on Instagram, along with a video of Bridger watching the clip, while dressed in a Captain America outfit.
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“Wow, you’re a hero,” Evans said. “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.”
He continued, “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.”
Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor also paid video tribute in his Instagram stories Wednesday, sharing encouraging words for the hero 6-year-old.
Other celebrities, including Anne Hathaway caught wind of Bridger’s heroism and shared messages of their own.
“I’m not an Avenger, but I know a superhero when I see one,” Hathaway wrote on Instagram alongside photos of Bridger and his sister.
In a statement recounting the incident, the family said they are “forever and sincerely grateful for the love and care” that the dog’s owner provided to Bridger. Following the attack, the owner secured the dog, ran Bridger inside, began applying pressure to the wounds, and called for emergency care.
The 1-year-old dog has since been put to sleep.
In the statement, the family says they have received “tender, heartfelt messages” from Hugh Jackman, Zachary Levi, Tom Holland, the Russo Brothers, Robbie Amell, and countless others from around the world.
“The response has been both surprising and humbling,” they said, adding that their family was “completely unprepared for the outpouring of love and support.
“May we follow Bridger’s example, approach the world as a child, and bring greater peace to our own homes, communities, states and countries,” the family concluded in their statement.
