3 weeks ago
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Belizean Captain Howell Grange, a seasoned Tropic Air pilot, is receiving medical treatment in the United States for stab wounds. His injuries were sustained during the hijacking of a plane where he was stabbed in the face, back, arms, ears, and mouth. Some of these injuries affected his tongue and led to blood aspiration in his lungs. Via yesterday’s segment on WGRZ-TV we were able to see Grange’s update.
Channel 2 News: Hey, welcome back. A Tropic Air captain from Belize is sharing his remarkable story after surviving a mid air hijacking and a brutal knife attack. Now he’s in Western New York walking again with the help of some local doctors. Alexandra Rios Melvia caught up with him and she has the story.
Alexandra Rios Melvia, Channel 2 News: In a room inside universal chiropractic, Howell Grange is locked in for a fight. Not in the sky this time, but for his future. The Tropic Air captain from Belize is relearning how to walk after surviving something few ever do.
Howell Grange, Tropic Air Pilot: “I came because I had issues walking. I had two bulged disks that were pinching my nerve so I was walking a little bit like someone that had a stroke.”
Alexandra Rios Melvia, Channel 2 News: Howell was working for Tropic Air flying near the Belize / Mexico border on April 17 when his route flight turned into a nightmare.
Howell Grange, Tropic Air Pilot: “I heard someone say “Stop. Stop. Stop.” So I looked at the back and I saw our HR manager with his hand was up then I saw a knife in his hand and so I started to turn around to head back to Corozal to land. He was like “No, this is a hijacking, you’re gonna take me to the US.”
Alexandra Rios Melvia, Channel 2 News: Howell bought time by pretending to follow the hijacker’s order bluffing, circling, speaking Spanish with air traffic control to keep the attacker confused.
Howell Grange, Tropic Air Pilot: “He told me I think today’s a good day to die. That’s when I made up m mind I will land. Moments later Howell landed then the hijacker attacked him.”
Alexandra Rios Melvia, Channel 2 News: He realized he was not in the US. Howell was stabbed multiple times including his back, temple and arm. One of the injured passengers who had a licensed firearm then shot the hijacker in the chest.
Howell Grange, Tropic Air Pilot: “That’s gonna be my second birthday.”
Alexandra Rios Melvia, Channel 2 News: When Dr. Richard’s cousin heard Howell’s story she connected the two at his practice in West Seneca Dr. Richard helped design an intensive two week chiropractic and physical therapy program.
Doctor: “Where he received treatments twice a day. You know, two chiropractic sessions and two physical therapy sessions and also a recovery session at a Wellness Center.”
Alexandra Rios Melvia, Channel 2 News: His medical team calls it a miracle, but Howell just calls it moving forward.
Howell Grange, Tropic Air Pilot: “You never know how you’re gonna act in an emergency until you’re in an emergency and I think I did very well. I think I did really well actually. I mean I forgive the guy because I don’t know what he was going through in life but I forgive him. And that’s the only way I could move forward.”
Alexandra Rios Melvia, Channel 2 News: Grange still has a few days treatment left, but doctors say he’s already regained 95 % of his mobility and function. He’s expected to do a full recovery.
The plane was hijacked on April 17.
English (US) ·