After a terrifying experience and two months in the hospital, 6-year-old Ryland Ward gets a special ride home.

On November 5th, 2017, one of the worst mass shootings happened in Texas history leaving 26 dead according to police. Among those injured in the attack was now 6-year-old Ryland Ward. Ward was shot several times. He survived. However his step-mom Joann Lookingbill Ward and her two daughters Brooke Bryanne Ward, 5 and Emily Garcia,7 were among the ones killed in the attack.

Among those injured in the attack was now 6-year-old Ryland Ward. Ward was shot several times. He survived.

Volunteer firefighter Rusty Duncan recalls the events that unfolded that day. He was among the first responders to reach the church. They were going through each aisle and started to check for survivors. As he was checking people's pulses he felt little Ryland's hand grab his pant leg. Ryland was underneath his stepmother. Duncan said he rolled her off of Ryland and ran him out of the church.

As soon as Duncan got Ryland outside the church his father Chris Ward was there waiting for him. Duncan informed Ward that his son was still alive.

The boy was rushed to the nearby hospital. He was heavily sedated. Young Ward went through many surgeries.

His Grandmother, Sandy Ward, told ABC News that Ryland is "a character". She went on to say, "This little boy has the best fighting spirit I've ever seen out of anybody in my entire life. He's kept me going this whole time. Even when I was giving up ... just thinking about him and being around him makes me smile."

While Ryland was in the hospital he turned 6 years old.

The University Hospital says that Ryland is the last patient from the Sutherland Springs Shooting.

"This little boy has the best fighting spirit I've ever seen out of anybody in my entire life. He's kept me going this whole time. Even when I was giving up..."

Yesterday, Ryland was discharged from the hospital and was given a very special ride home in a firetruck.

The community of Sutherland Springs gathered and held up signs that said "welcome home" There were many signs along the road as well for Ryland.

After a long journey young Ryland Ward is home. His family could not be any happier to have him back.

 

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