Parrot credited with saving teen's life

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LLANELLI, Wales, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- A Welsh family said their parrot "died a hero" when he alerted a showering teenager to a fire in the home.

Vicky Rees, 48, of Llanelli, Wales, said her son, Ben, 17, was home alone and taking a shower when the family's parrot, Cookie, began squawking and repeatedly diving at his head, The Sun reported Friday.

The teenager investigated the cause of the parrot's distress and discovered the home was on fire. Ben was able to get out of the house but Cookie did not survive.

"He was Ben's guardian angel and died a hero. If Cookie hadn't squawked like that I'm sure Ben would have died too," Vicky Rees said. "It is so sad he didn't make it out alive. We will never forget what he did."

Investigators determined the fire started when embers from an incense stick fell onto Ben Rees' bed.

"I'm heartbroken at losing my pet. He saved my life," the teenager said.