A San Francisco police sergeant, Joelle Harrell, vividly recalled the harrowing moment she heard gunshots and ran towards the danger, finding herself aiding 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. At the time, Harrell did not know the man she was helping was an NFL player. Pearsall had been shot and wounded during an attempted robbery, where a 17-year-old allegedly tried to snatch a Rolex watch off his wrist in the Union Square area of San Francisco.
OPINION: Former Mayor Willie Brown argues that Mark Farrell’s blatantly opportunistic response to the Ricky Pearsall shooting was unbecoming of a mayoral candidate.https://t.co/Ge0Oabmff3
— SF Examiner (@sfexaminer) September 3, 2024
As she rushed to his aid, Sgt. Harrell and Pearsall worked together to put pressure on the wound. During this tense moment, Pearsall asked Harrell if he was going to die. Harrell reassured him, saying, “You’re strong. Just focus on the breathing,” as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. She recounted how Pearsall listened and calmed down, which was precisely what she hoped he would do.
The bullet had entered Pearsall’s chest and exited through his back, but remarkably, he was released from the hospital less than 24 hours after the shooting. His mother, Erin Pearsall, shared an emotional update on Facebook, expressing gratitude for her son’s survival. “First and foremost, I want to thank GOD for protecting my baby boy. He is extremely lucky, GOD shielded him. He was shot in the chest and it exited out his back. Thanks be to GOD it missed his vital organs,” she wrote. She emphasized the preciousness of life and asked for prayers for her son’s recovery.
Pearsall, who was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers as the 31st pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, was practicing his drills during the 49ers rookie minicamp when this incident took place. He had been a standout wide receiver at the University of Florida, showcasing his skills at the 2024 NFL Combine before joining the 49ers.
Ricky Pearsall ‘is BACK to work with 49ers as rookie hits weight room’ just three days after being shot by 17-year-old armed mugger https://t.co/zEwWlx7BaF
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) September 3, 2024
The shooting left a community shaken, but also highlighted the bravery and quick response of Sgt. Harrell, who provided crucial first aid in a moment of crisis. Pearsall’s survival was met with relief from his family and fans, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Key Points:
i. 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery in San Francisco.
ii. San Francisco police sergeant Joelle Harrell provided immediate first aid and helped calm Pearsall at the scene.
iii. The bullet passed through Pearsall’s chest and out his back, but he was released from the hospital within 24 hours.
iv. Pearsall’s mother expressed gratitude for his survival and thanked God for protecting him.
v. Pearsall, a first-round draft pick, was preparing for his NFL career when the incident occurred.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
