Quadriplegic hero dies at 34

LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Conrad Buchanan, who tried in 1998 to save a woman from suicide and subsequently became known as a hero, has died at his California home at age 34.

The Times reported that Buchanan, left a quadriplegic after the event, died Wednesday of unknown causes. His autopsy is pending.

On a November day in 1998, Julie Light, an aging actress who had recently lost her husband, stood on top of a parking garage, telling people on the sidewalk below to move out of the way. The Times reported that everyone except for Buchanan, a mall security guard, moved. The woman jumped, falling on top of Buchanan, injuring his neck and leaving him a quadriplegic.

The woman died shortly after the incident, but Buchanan became known as a hero for his efforts. Despite his suffering Buchanan, a father of two, said he never regretted his actions.

While in the hospital, Buchanan received visits of encouragement from Christopher Reeve and Gov. Grey Davis.

Buchanan had been receiving home care in Long Beach at the time of his death.

Born in Panama City, Panama, in February 1972, Buchanan is survived by his daughters, his mother, two sisters and a brother.