West Point Cadet, Father Rescue Driver From Flaming Car in N.Y. Crash

A cadet from the U.S. Military Academy and his father are being recognized for their heroic act of rescuing a man from a wrecked car situated under live power lines, just seconds before the vehicle burst into flames.

Cadet Larry Pickett Jr., a sophomore football player at West Point, reported that he responded instinctively upon witnessing the wreck shortly after midnight on Saturday. Pickett and his family were on their way home from Times Square when they encountered the crash about 10 minutes from the academy.

“Upon witnessing the car with a live power line sparking, I realized immediate action was necessary—there was no time for hesitation,” Pickett stated. “I’m grateful I was able to assist in getting him out safely, and even more thankful that everyone is alright.” God is good!

A utility pole was struck by the car, and the man inside was conscious yet incoherent, as reported by Larry Pickett Sr., Pickett’s father, to Task & Purpose. Father and son leapt over the fallen wires, opened the door, and unfastened the driver’s seatbelt. Pickett’s sister captured the intense moments on video as sparks crackled around the vehicle.

Shortly after the two helped the driver to safety, the car was consumed by flames. Pickett remained with the man until the first responders arrived.

Pickett’s remarkable performance occurred just hours after he made his initial appearance on the field for Army’s football team, recording a tackle in a thrilling double-overtime match against Tarleton State. Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, he dedicated a year to West Point’s prep school prior to enrolling in the academy.

Army football coach Jeff Monken commended Pickett for embodying the values of West Point. “Larry’s heroic actions exemplify all that we aim to cultivate in our cadet-athletes—courage, selflessness, and a commitment to prioritizing others,” Monken stated.

Athletics director Tom Theodorakis stated, “This embodies our mission at West Point — to cultivate leadership, courage, and selfless service.”

Pickett later expressed to his father his relief that they took action, stating, “That could have been really bad for him and his family.”