In late August, we told you about 10-year-old Jacob O’Connor from Roseville, Mich, who saved his 2-year-old brother, Dylan, from drowning and gave credit to The Rock for giving him the inspiration to be so courageous and take action.
According to WXYX-TV, Dylan was floating face down in his grandmother’s swimming pool, and when Jacob found his brother, he pulled him out and performed lifesaving chest compressions.
So, how did he know what to do?
“There was a daughter that was drowning,” Jacob said about The Rock’s 2015 film, San Andreas, “and he [The Rock] had to get her out, and he did the same thing.”
Thankfully, Dylan made a full recovery after spending a day in the hospital, and the story of Jacob’s heroics went viral. Of course, The Rock caught wind of it and gave Jacob a shoutout on social media.
Wow amazing story. Giving you a Twitter 🙌🏾 Jacob for saving your little brother’s life. You’re a real life hero. We’re all proud of you! DJ https://t.co/M34d2NIYIy
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 24, 2017
Then, The Rock took it a step further and invited Jacob, his other brother, Gavin and their mom, Christa, to the set of Skyscraper in Vancouver, where the four hung out for the day.
“I said, not only do I shake hands, but when I meet heroic kids, I give hugs.. now get in here,” The Rock posted on Instagram. “Despite the fact I looked like 9 ways of hell, battered and bloodied from my scenes, Jacob reluctantly, gave me a hug.”
The Rock confirmed the fact that Jacob was indeed a huge hero.
“She [Christa] told me that at first she wondered, ‘Wait, I am just calling Jacob a hero because I’m a proud mom and he’s my son? Then I said, no wait.. he IS a real hero for saving his brother’s life”. Amen. Yup, he sure is.
Then the star led the family to the dessert station, where they loaded up on sugar. Before parting ways, The Rock grabbed Jacob to film a video for his 92 million Instagram followers.
“I just want to say, I’m so proud of you,” The Rock said. “It’s such an honor meeting this kid.”
Proof that heroes aren’t only found on movie screens.