Centennial Doctor Killed Saving Neighbor Honored For Heroism

Kenneth Atkinson, the Centennial doctor who was shot and killed rescuing a neighbor who had been shot by her husband, has been honored by the Carnegie Hero Fund for his heroism. Atkinson, who was killed on April 4, 2016, was one of 19 people honored from around the United States and Canada.

Atkinson had run to the aid of Elizabeth Lyon who had been shot by her husband, Kevin.

As he tended to her and called 9-1-1, Atkinson was shot in the leg. He tried to flee but Lyons followed him and shot him at point blank range, killing him. (For more information on this and other local stories, subscribe to your local Patch for breaking news alerts.)

"The medal is awarded throughout the United States and Canada to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others," the fund said in a release.

"Four of the latest awardees died in the performance of their heroic acts."

The fund was established in 1904 with a grant from Andrew Carnegie.

Since being founded, the fund has given nearly $40 million in one-time grants, scholarship aid, death benefits, and continuing assistance to nearly 10,000 people.

Kevin Lyons was sentenced earlier this year to life in prison plus 352 years.

Photo via Carnegie Fund.