“I’m Lucky to Be Here”: Injured Hunter Shares His Story After Dramatic Rescue Near Dam B
- Rita Shipp
- Oct 5
- 3 min read
BEECH GROVE, Texas — What began as a peaceful Friday morning hunt for longtime outdoorsman Willie Cropper quickly turned into a terrifying fall, a desperate rescue, and ultimately, a story of gratitude and survival.
The East Texas Banner first shared Cropper’s rescue story on Saturday, detailing how Beech Grove firefighters and medics worked with multiple agencies to reach him deep in the woods near Dam B.
Today, Cropper is offering his own perspective — and his gratitude — on what happened.
Cropper and his family were hunting near the Corps of Engineers’ Sandy Creek Park at Dam B, planning to wrap up their morning around 10 a.m. His son was feeling sleepy, so the two decided to trade spots — a last-minute decision that changed everything.
“I hunt from the ground blind,” Cropper explained. “My son wanted to trade stands since he was sleepy, so I let him use my tent and I used his hang-on stand. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my harness with me.”
Moments later, as he prepared to climb down, tragedy struck.
“After standing up and relieving myself, I turned to get my phone and reached for the ladder,” he recalled. “The stand’s cable unexpectedly failed, and I fell backward. I landed on my back, hit a tree with my arm, and broke my left wrist. I was dizzy and disoriented and blacked out for a bit.”
When he came to, Cropper realized he was in serious trouble — injured and deep in the woods.
"My sons, Bryantt and Tyler, both played a part in helping me that morning,” Cropper said. “Bryantt stayed with me and helped me get my phone so I could call 911, and Tyler helped lead everyone back through the woods to where I was.”
While dispatchers at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with park rangers, firefighters, and medics, Tyler made his way through the woods to meet the incoming rescue units — then guided them back to where his father was lying injured.
“They both stayed calm and did exactly what needed to be done,” Cropper said. “I couldn’t be prouder of my boys.”
While dispatchers at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with park rangers, firefighters, and medics, Tyler made his way through the woods to meet the incoming rescue units — then helped lead them back to where his father was lying injured.
“He stayed calm and did exactly what needed to be done,” Cropper said. “I couldn’t be prouder of him.”
Firefighters used chainsaws to clear a path through the dense undergrowth and drove their UTV Rescue Unit as close as possible before continuing on foot with medical gear and a stokes basket.
“They had to make a trail through thick swampy woods just to reach me,” Cropper said. “They provided excellent care the whole way.”
Once stabilized, Cropper was carried through the woods to the UTV, then transported to a waiting Air Rescue – Beaumont/Jasper helicopter, which airlifted him to CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.
“It was a difficult experience — and I’d prefer not to fly in a helicopter again,” he said with a laugh. “But I’m grateful I made it there safely. The hospital staff has been amazing.”
Beech Grove Fire Chief James Gunter said the rescue demonstrated true teamwork — from the 911 dispatchers and game wardens to the firefighters, medics, and deputies who worked together in rough conditions.
“Every piece of equipment we used — the brush truck, the trailer, and the UTV — was donated by people right here in this community,” Gunter said. “Your donations and your support save lives, just like they did that day.”
Cropper’s story is both a warning and a reminder.
“I didn’t have my harness that morning, and I’ll never make that mistake again,” he said. “It hurts bad, but I’m lucky to be here.”
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