Alert Paper Carrier Credited With Saving Life

Spokane firefighters discovered an elderly woman who suffered a stroke in her bathtub this week, thanks to an alert newspaper carrier.

Linda Dial, who delivers newspapers for The Spokesman-Review, noticed Tuesday that 76-year-old Leona Whipple hadn’t picked up her Monday paper or emptied her mailbox.

After classes that day at Spokane Community College, Dial contacted Whipple’s North Side neighbors, who called 911 when the elderly woman didn’t answer her door or phone.

“I knew she was an elderly lady and had been sick and thought something must be wrong because she never leaves her paper out,” Dial said.

Firefighters got into the house on West Winston Drive near Joe Albi Stadium through a window and found Whipple in the tub.

A neighbor, LeaAnn Pedigo, praised Dial for her efforts.

“If it hadn’t been for the paper carrier, I’m not sure if she’d be alive. She was nice enough to stop and think, `Hey, this isn’t right.”’

Whipple was reported in stable condition late Wednesday at Holy Family Hospital.

This is the second time in recent months that Dial has made an effort to help others.

When she and a friend spotted flames in a neighbor’s home early one December morning, they called 911. They then broke out windows at the house, believing that the renters were inside.

Dial was treated at Holy Family for smoke inhalation and deep cuts on her left hand.

“If something seems wrong, you just do something about it,” she said.