PORTLAND, Ore. — ESPN put Keanon Lowe in the spotlight on College Game Day on Saturday. It highlighted the former Oregon wide receiver's heroic efforts to disarm a student who brought a gun to Parkrose High School.
In the ESPN segment, Lowe talks about why he returned to Parkrose High School after the death of his best friend and the impact he has had as the head coach of the school's football team.
In October, video from the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office that showed what led up to and transpired when a student brought a loaded shotgun into a classroom at Parkrose last May. Lowe is seen hugging the disarmed student.
It was a powerful example of compassion, crisis counselors said.
In an interview last spring, Lowe said about the confrontation, "In that time, I felt compassion for him. I had a real-life conversation. Obviously, he broke down and I wanted him to know I was there for him. I told him I was there to save him, I was there for a reason, and this is a life worth living."
The district attorney's office said that during their investigation it became clear that the student did not intend to hurt anyone other than himself.
RESOURCES
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 800-273-8255. The Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 crisis support by text. Text 741741 to be connected to a trained counselor.
Help is available for community members struggling from a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts. Suicide is preventable.
The Multnomah County Mental Health Call Center is available 24 hours a day at 503-988-4888.