Baby Jessica and Robert O'Donnell | Dangers of Media Attention for Heroes

This video answers the question: Can I analyze the case of Robert O’Donnell, who was one of the paramedics who rescued Jessica McClure (aka “Baby Jessica”)?
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References:
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[@juliabohemian]

This is the problem with constructs like heroism and villainy. Humans are not comic book characters. They are dynamic and complex and do not fit into boxes. When the public assigns someone the distinction of hero, they then develop the expectation that the person will remain in that box. When the person's behavior defies that construct, the public feels entitled to dethrone them. The media is not real life. It's a movie trailer version of reality, minus all the mundane details of day to day existence. When you are famous, people do not adore YOU. They adore their perception of you.

[@RenataSantos-qw4pz]

Well said.

[@Mr_Case_Time]

I agree, and think the same goes for those that are deemed as villains in the court of public opinion. To point out a specific example, I still don’t understand the whole Chris Pratt thing, and I’m not sure why people are upset with him.

[@nativetexan53]

Of course you are right. But for the last 4 years I have observed that political party members have pegged my party into "only" this or that. SO naturally I have done the same with them. And it does seem to the case. They are vehemently opposed to any kind of Christian values or kindness. We had lots of friends who were from different areas of the Country and seemed totally ignorant of different political views. I could correct their Fox view and prove it. We could have conversations. 4 years ago that came to a screeching halt. I did what they did and culled them from my life. So their dogmatic views and hate has turned me into the same type of people they are. I never understood some of those versus in the Bible before but I understand some of them now. And I cannot change as long as the Nazi's insist on hating everybody that does not hate as much as they do. So I now hate as much as they do. I just hate for the opposite reasons.

[@highlycriminal3874]

@@nativetexan53 Jeez my man you sound like an extremist.

[@reglook1]

@@highlycriminal3874 I was around in 87,I think this guy is just speaking perfectly about human nature and fleeting fame.

[@rachelv9408]

Dr. Grande- I’ve been meaning to tell you this, but I appreciate that when you speak of suicide, you use the term “bringing an end to one’s life.” I feel that is the most respectful way to speak about that topic. My mother brought an end to her life eight years ago and it is still fresh to me, but your respectful words are truly touching as a suicide loss survivor. Thank you, Dr. Grande 💜

[@LDiamondz]

I'm very sorry for your loss. Dr. Grande really is very respectful, when it's called for. ❤❤❤

[@jkgent4087]

My daughter did the same 30 years ago. She was 14. At that time the expression “died by suicide” was just starting to be used. Now it is always used in the media, and I really appreciate that. This phrase replaced “committed” or “successful attempt” or “killed self”. Thank you Dr. Grande for referring to suicide in such a comforting manner. The most egregious uncaring, ignorant reference i hear people say is how selfish the act is in light of the pain left behind. Oh, boy, how I wish my daughter had been feeling selfish instead of the overwhelming drive to escape severe, overwhelming mental anguish. There is no room for ANY other thought. The analogy I find most apt is that one is in an overheated room with no way out and no end in sight.

[@LDiamondz]

@@jkgent4087 I'm sorry for your loss. ❤ You make so many good points. Most people are clueless about this. Perhaps you should put this comment in the main area. You could help educate a lot of people. It's not selfish. It's stopping the never ending pain. ❤❤

[@jkgent4087]

@@LDiamondz Thank you.

[@reneedennis2011]

I am so sorry 😞.

[@beautifullysaid8370]

This is really sad. Robert overcame his claustrophobia to squeeze down the well to attempt to rescue Jessica, twice. He was a hero. I agree he had PTSD.

[@dyshawnshine3644]

But why would he be so bent on being a moviestar? And be so devastated when it didn’t happen? I understand the media attention getting to his head but never has recusing led to superstardom at least not from what I’ve seen over the years.

[@hamsterama]

@@dyshawnshine3644 This guy really should have enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame and moved on. The rest of the world moved on. He should have just gone back to being a nobody. There's nothing wrong with being a nobody. I agree with you, just because you rescued someone, doesn't mean you can be a big Hollywood movie star. Seems like Robert was totally disconnected from reality.

[@piperjaycie]

People with PTSD don’t voluntarily and repeatedly expose themselves to the thing that gave them the trauma. They avoid it at all costs which is one of the reasons it is so hard to treat even in therapy.

[@Melinda8162]

@@dyshawnshine3644 Well, it seems to me that 'evidently' (maybe) that was a ' taste' of fame he never could imagine and he got really enamored with it and wished it could go on! I don't know for sure and I can't name anything right now but, I do think there have been a couple instances where someone did come into a situation where they did something outstanding and it did lead to some opportunities of offers! I mean, you just can't tell and why some people all of a sudden do attain some noteriety over something and 'someone' just pops up and offers them something lucrative because they are simply 'known' for some outstanding achievement. And, yeah they are able to milk it for a time! If you get what I'm saying, hard to explain because most of the time it is amazing that it happens! But, I wouldn't mind being famous for at least a day!!! 😁. 🤸. 💃

[@Gitn2it]

What Robert lacked was humility. There were many heroes involved in the rescue of baby Jessica. It was a TEAM effort. The other heroes went home quietly, unrecognized for what they contributed but happy that they helped save a life. No one member of a sports team wins a championship alone. Even when singled out as the MVP, that player makes sure to credit the efforts of his teammates for his success. I am not blaming Robert for his misfortunes, he was simply naive and caught up in a whirlwind. The media loves to create heroes and then tear them down. Unfortunately, Robert was still looking for confirmation from people who didn't even know him.

[@whodey2112]

As someone who is claustrophobic, I consider his act to be heroic and could understand how doing this could be very traumatic.

[@Hollylivengood]

Hell yes. Some people wouldn't even have done it, just from freezing.

[@pamelajordan2890]

Yes if your not claustrophobic you can't imagine how brave he was... though I wouldn't wish it on anyone...do you also experience agoraphobia?

[@dyshawnshine3644]

I understand that part. But I don’t see how it led to him thinking he would be a movie star and then being that upset that it didn’t turn out that way.

[@pamelajordan2890]

@@dyshawnshine3644 sometimes when you have a lot of fears... people feel isolated ..and many of these .. disorders stem from trauma ... mainly childhood abuse..so you find yourself looking for something to fulfill that need.,. doesn't always turn out so good😿😢

[@pamelajordan2890]

Peaple can be so cruel...and the cruelest are usually the one's who are looking for the same thing. Sad world sometimes

[@brianpratt3224]

Oh yes Jessica McClure, you may remember her from films like "baby Jessica" and "the rescue"

[@rg6310]

Damn the Simpson creators are aliens

[@beckiehubley5798]

I remember hearing updates on the news as it happened.

[@beebeelicious]

Brilliant

[@michaelm7422]

Or the age myself/ all the media attention and the the nonstop 24 hour live news feed

[@Karmen2010]

I remember when it was covered on the news at the time and the movie. They're memorable titles for some of us.

[@noelleknuth6819]

It’s sad he didn’t get the help he needed. If he’s tried a few times already, He should have already been receiving mental help. He was a firefighter and paramedic, regardless of saving a baby from the well, he already was a hero.

[@louniece1650]

It's a straight lie that if a person tries multiple times to get the mental health care that is needed......that it will happen. Unfortunately, there are many factors that are involved. I am currently living this reality. It's frustrating. Many people genuinely have NO CLUE about the 'realities of life' that exist.😪🤷‍♀️

[@LDiamondz]

@@louniece1650 I agree. There are many factors that prevent someone from getting the right help, despite how hard they try. I've seen it happen with a loved one. It is a nightmare. I wish you well. ❤❤

[@DH-ve5bl]

@ Norlle Knute. I agree that Mr. O’Donnell was already a hero by his choice of career. It seems like he must have had low self esteem to be so captivated by fame. And what about his sons? He left two boys fatherless.

[@JuanSoto-ws5ch]

Jesus Christ loves you repent from all sins amen

[@livingnatural4295]

He has suffered from migraines since he was a kid and after this event, they got worse. No dr could figure out why they happened. Imagine trying to figure out an issue that affected every aspect of your life, finding no answers, then having yourself thrust into the limelight for a while, only to be dropped just as quick. He was a hero who had his own demons.

[@JaimeMesChiens]

Thank you. That was a wonderful synopsis and analysis. Of note: Jessica has grown up to be a lovely woman. She’s married with a few children and is a pre-school teacher. Her husband seems devoted to her, she’s really smart and pretty, and the children seem happy and well adjusted. I think one reason she’s done so well is that she has moved on from being that famous Baby Jessica.

[@dalehoward3704]

It's great the adult Jessica is doing well. Thanks!

[@morticiaheisenberg9679]

Thank you for her update. That is so great to hear. Good for her❤

[@JuanSoto-ws5ch]

Jesus Christ loves you repent from all sins amen

[@Cream147player]

I hope we’re getting better as a society at recognising people who are suffering with mental health difficulties and offering the help they need. I’d like to think that were this all to happen today, we’d be able to save Robert from his well, not just Jessica.

[@annal7364]

🤣 “Their common sense was buried deeper than the well.” They might have actually needed Dr. G’s heroic efforts to dig that out!! 🤣

[@oneneverlaughsenough]

I understood it as "barely deeper" than the well.

[@OisO8]

I liked this analysis. Sounds like he transferred all his PTSD into hopes of stardom as an escape. There's a euphoria after completing something you thought you couldn't. Him being claustrophobic and still going down a second time to help her and he succeeded! No doubt that euphoria, the PTSD, and the sudden attention was very confusing for him.

[@lnc-to4ku]

So many people remember that story of Baby Jessica, but it was incredibly interesting to learn about how that famous rescue mission so badly affected one of the main rescuers! Very sad that he let the fame consume him so badly that it literally destroyed his life! Great video Dr. Grande!!

[@jessa.4529]

I remember praying for her at dinner time as a child some 30 yrs ago

[@VegemiteQueen1]

'I'm a hero for staying awake for 48 hours!' Ma'am, sir, please don't ever have children.

[@AimeeAimee444]

😂😂👍

[@jmevb60]

I really like Dr. Grande's conclusion that he was indeed a hero. He just wasn't equipped afterwards.

[@Px828]

My father died while this was happening. That's what I'll always connect it with.

[@diannastafford1241]

I remember when this happened but didn’t know the rest of the story. Thank you. It’s sad but very interesting. Love the pink shirt!!

[@shantoreywilkins651]

🎯

[@CapitalCCapitalC]

Ditto everything.👌🏾

[@carolnahigian9518]

What Wisdom.

[@heavyweight1028]

I was 25 when this happened. I couldn’t eat or sleep and cried for 3 days while that baby was in that well. From time to time I think about it. For whatever reason I thought about it this morning and goggled where is he ( O’ Donnell) now. I did not know he killed himself. Truly heartbreaking to know that’s how the story ends. I do not understand how anyone can kill themself. Someone very dear to me who suffered from severe depression when young told me “ The definition of depression is ppl who spend way to much time thinking about themselves .” This looks like a good example of that.

[@susansjs]

I remember watching the rescue on TV. I had tears in my eyes when Baby Jessica was finally removed. I had no idea of the rest of the story. How sad that it ended that way.

[@williesnyder2899]

The guy was doubtless a hero! It’s unfortunate that he could not carry forward to live a good life, regardless of whether he ever made it onto a magazine cover again. Robert’s exceptional actions outlived him. A child lived (partially) due to his swallowing his fears. Rest In Peace.

[@CherylFlynn1]

This case reminds me of Chesley Sullenburger the pilot who landed a plane load of passengers on the Hudson River. When I see news clips of reunions of the people on board that flight all I can imagine is that people need heroes, need to believe in something. Sully is perceived as a hero even though it was just a circumstance in which he found himself. When he’s interviewed I get a sense he is simply playing along with the perceptions of himself as a hero, but he appears to have retained his humbleness and authentic sense of self. I can see him and his family walking to the car shaking their heads at the absurdity of the media attention and public perception .

[@jennyjay7816]

I guess that’s why people say “enjoy your 15 minutes of fame” Seems like he never heard that before. It is really sad though. ☮️💜🌵

[@samlsd9711]

😆😂🤣I think Robert had had an underlying psychiatric condition too..

[@LDiamondz]

@@samlsd9711 I do, too.

[@lg316]

This is the most insightful episode (for personal reasons) I've ever watched from you. THANK YOU! My ex-husband is retired Special Agent for the Federal Government. His retirement destroyed our marriage. Neither of us would've ever seen that coming. He went through intense depression after leaving that career at 50. I actually see some similarities of the aftermath. He speaks to no one except for me now. He has nothing to do with our college age son. He suffers depression and addictions he never had before. I will never abandon him or give up on him because of the amazing person he was before retiring. I look for that person every second of every single day. I fear he's gone forever.

[@exrobowidow1617]

So many advisers will tell you how to "prepare" for retirement, but usually they mean making sure your "nest egg" is big enough so you can afford your preferred lifestyle. A minority of advisers have written books to help you prepare for the day-to-day realities of living as a retired person. It's a huge lifestyle change for many people. It disrupts your daily schedule and rearranges your social life. For a married couple, if their expectations of what retirement will mean for them don't match each other's expectations, their relationship can be fractured. The show "Doc Martin" parodied this in the episodes featuring the pharmacist who didn't share her absentee husband's enthusiasm for returning home to her. That comedy can be painful to watch.

[@hamsterama]

Would it have been possible for him to start a new career after retirement? I had a co-worker who was retired law enforcement. Like your ex, he had to retire in his early 50's due to age. He started a second career as an accountant, and he retired a couple years ago (for real this time) at age 70. Also, my dad is in his late 60's, and he won't retire, because he would have nothing else to do all day. Retirement isn't for everyone. Not everyone wants to play golf, restore a classic car, or do other stereotypical retired guy hobbies. It's too bad your husband didn't make plans for a second career, it might have given him purpose.

[@AliciaGuitar]

@@hamsterama i agree. I had to go on disability, but i get very depressed with nothing to do. I had to do part time volunteer work for a while to maintain social interactions and feel like i am still ALIVE. It made a huge difference. The problem is, when you are depressed, hobbies or social interactions just sound like torture. If it was my husband i would gently and tactfully try to get him into some sort of meaningful volunteer work... emphasizing how he is NEEDED.

[@hamsterama]

@@AliciaGuitar I'm very sorry that you had to go on disability! That's gotta be terrible, from the loss of income, the boredom, and not being able to do things you could do before. But, I'm glad you found purpose with volunteer work! What kind of volunteer work do/did you do?

[@AliciaGuitar]

@@hamsterama since i had a history of domestic violence I focused on that mostly.

[@twilightblue8566]

What a sad story. Thank-you to Mr. O'Donnell for his part in rescuing Jessica. I am so sorry that things turned out the way they did. Rest in Peace.

[@onwardsandupwards7397]

The PTSD is isolating; I suspect that Dr. Grande was right. He needed the attention so he wouldn't be isolated with the fears/depression/loss of self confidence of PTSD.

[@freyatries3895]

It's sad having PTSD with no heroism to be honest. People kinda don't care or don't think its too bad and theres no support groups/rescources for you because you are not armed forces/first responder. That is the true isolation.

[@somethinginthenothing]

I actually do really feel for him. He just wanted to be something better and it was hard to let that go when he got a taste of it. His actions probably came from a place of deep insecurity. He needed more help

[@lynncrf]

This is one of the saddest cases you have ever done. Poor Robert. ♥️

[@staceycorteville6756]

My son was 6 weeks old, and I was 18. I cried so hard and held him close! That was devestating!

[@ChristinePerez903]

Media attention can be fickle. They love it but get bored eventually Great analysis Dr Grande!!!

[@lisab6547]

I remember all of this including when she was rescued. My dad pointed out the hand signals that one man was giving to the winch operator. It's so sad that Robert didn't get the mental help he needed. And migraines are pure evil!!! They can be absolutely debilitating but people tend to think they are just a bad headache. I haven't had one since June of 2020 but before that I would get them 2 or 3 times a week. R.I.P. Robert

[@LDiamondz]

I'd consider Robert a hero. Despite being claustrophobic, he went down a narrow opening and saved the little girl. That could have been one reason he may have had PTSD from the rescue. It's a shame he valued media attention above all else after this. A true hero, lessened by pride. I feel very sad in the way this played out for him. On top of the world briefly, only to crash back down just as quickly. He may have had issues before this incident that played into his need for hero worship. Thank you for this very thoughtful, and respectful analysis, Dr.Grande. You're really the best. ❤

[@joshthemediocre7824]

This is one that has affected me my entire life. This happened when i was a child, i remember watching it all play out as a kid. At some point of pulling her out they mention they pulled her hip out of place, being a kid i had no idea where the hip was on the body, but that statement about her hip made me think about my foot for some reason, everytime i seen anything about this story or even thought about it i would get that same sensation in my foot. This went on for long after i knew where the hip was on the body, i never had that happen with anything else in my life but to this day just seeing this makes my foot feel weird, it's the strangest thing.

[@LDiamondz]

You must have been a very empathetic child. ❤

[@lyzzlyzzy1023]

Sorry but lol

[@lonewanderer480]

Great analysis Doc. I didn't know that one of The rescuers eventually killed themselves. I feel a little sad for the guy. It's a shame that he couldn't just move on with his life and do other things. This is a good lesson for anyone who provides a service to the people. Keep doing the job you love and don't feed on praise.

[@logicalblackman8228]

Such a sad outcome. He literally saved that baby’s life.

[@charlesduboise5198]

This reminds me of Melvin Purvis he was an FBI agent from back in the 30s he became famous for bring down gangsters like John Dillinger and after the spot light was off of him he shot himself with a revolver that they said was given to him by J Edgar Hoover When fame fades your only left with your own thoughts

[@sandrasanders706]

Hoover treated Purvis like garbage. Because Purvis was getting more publicity than his boss, Hoover destroyed his career. Pathetic man Hoover was.

[@LDiamondz]

@@sandrasanders706 Yup. Hoover was horrible to him. Hoover was many things, but a good man was not one of them.

[@melodi996]

It's sad that it seems nobody helped him with his problems, he bragged about his heroism, but he also was using painkillers and his wife just sent him away from their house? Why does it always happens so nobody cares about those people until they're dead?

[@PapaBrejj]

Tbf it isn't that simple to get a loved one with addiction help. He'd been sent to rehab multiple times as well, so it wasn't like they didn't try addressing it clinically. If he had 2 sons, why would their mother want them to see their dad passed/strung out? I don't think you can blame her for removing him from their household, I've been in the same situation with my Dad who eventually commited suicide. It just isn't that simple unfortunately.

[@shelleybradford3395]

His wife left him because he stayed depressed all the time once his fame died down and he became a drug addict. His coworkers couldn’t stand his constant bragging. My heart goes out to his kids. Even his little boy said why couldn’t he wait till I turned 11? He was fixing to have a birthday. This man died of an ego problem.

[@GGiblet]

I watched the rescue with the rest of the world but had no idea about all this until now and it's so sad! I wish things had gone differently for him. I think your analysis is spot on Doc, and migraines can be so debilitating. Fabulous video on a sad topic💙👏💙

[@denisehomfeld8475]

I'll

[@wrmlm37]

Sounds similar to the "lottery curse". I didnt know that this had occurred after the rescue. I wonder how much time Robert spent on marketing himself, after such a few hours of rescue. He must have felt terribly about himself.

[@muellerphyllis]

I remember sitting in front of the TV the whole time watching her rescue. We all prayed and cried for that baby. I will never forget it.

[@damesaphira9790]

The "Baby Jessica incident" was horribly traumatic for me. My son was the exact age as she was. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep, I prayed constantly and paced. I didn't know her, I didn't know any rescuers, I was in East Texas, they were in West Texas. I cried so hard in joy when I watched them pull her out of that shaft. To this day, I don't understand how this hit me so hard when I have lived thru many other traumas in my life with much more resilience.

[@rebelliousraven]

I was pregnant with my first child during the rescue. I too remember the whole thing...where I was, the news coverage etc.

[@mustangnawt1]

It was traumatic. Have heard a ton of horrible things as a true crime fan. I was 9 when it happened and know I will never forget it

[@beckiehubley5798]

I was 13. I remember worrying and listening to media coverage.

[@vrjanice2]

@@Anonymous-54545 It sounds like empathy.

[@eadweard.]

Do you think you were processing those other traumas vicariously through this one?

[@jenlynne9656]

PTSD is an epidemic within medics and firefighters. It is only recently that it is being openly discussed. In the 80/90’s it would have been stigmatized to say he had problems and he needed help. His migraines were a sign of the stress he was under. The two failed suicide attempts were not only an indication he would try again, but a silent cry for help.

[@LDiamondz]

Agreed. Too bad those silent cries for help usually go unnoticed. Especially before the 2010's.

[@robinantonio8870]

Suicide isn't a cry for help. That's just what people say to justify interfering when a person tries. I know. I 've tried, hate the person who stopped it, and will one day have to do it again because I simply can't afford to live. Noone wants to do anything about that problem so I don't have to end it! And no, I can't get a job. I have tried for 8 yrs.

[@MichelleonaHike]

Rescue 911 was my absolute favorite show- I was glued to this story and rescue! I didn’t think I could love you anymore- but I do!! Thanks for doing this - It was heartbreaking to watch these men!

[@thelocalmaladroit8873]

Please Doc, please give me a chance to catch my breath! I’m behind three episodes now!

[@mrs.reluctant4095]

Same here. 🙂 👍

[@thelocalmaladroit8873]

@@mrs.reluctant4095 He’s a machine! 😂

[@thelostronin]

Speak for yourself I need him to double his output LOL!

[@jonnybyrne989]

Also an episode were bart is trapped down a well,

[@lg316]

He's like the Eminem of mental health. He can't stop spittin' dope insights, but definitely not diagnoses. 🤣

[@penelopehughes-jones5265]

This is so sad, the poor guy. We’ll never know if he had autism or something else significant, such as an illness that triggered the migraine (brain tumour# often cause unusual behaviour, there could even have been a tragic coincidence here) and he really deserved more support & medical intervention. I feel bad for his family too. Had he not been involved with the rescue (I’m so glad Jessica was saved of course) he may have continued to live a normal, happy life. Thanks so much, Dr Grande.

[@PinkSoldier2009]

@Penelope Why would you believe that he had autism just because he enjoyed being in the spotlight?? 🙄🙄🙄

[@penelopehughes-jones5265]

@@PinkSoldier2009 I don’t. I based my question (all it is) upon the analysis offered by Dr Grande, further reading and my own experience.

[@PinkSoldier2009]

@@penelopehughes-jones5265 When did he say that the guy may have had autism?

[@penelopehughes-jones5265]

@@PinkSoldier2009 Hi again, if you mean Dr Grande, he didn’t and that’s not what I said, tbh. I’m speculating based on the information I have on the gentleman in question and my own experience of Autism. Some of his interaction, social difficulties, ways of going about things *could* be due to, possibly, we don’t know, ASD.

[@JaimeMesChiens]

@@penelopehughes-jones5265 Whilst I understand your experience, there is nothing about Robert’s experience that indicates he had autism. I comment often on Dr Grande’s videos and acknowledge that I have autism. It’s a diagnosis that I hear too-freely thrown around of late. I don’t think many of my autism community would seek that level fame and we would be quite-okay to live unnoticed. Just my opinion. Attack me, if you must.

[@samlsd9711]

It's like his claustrophobic disorder graduated to PTSD and he lost self control at the end. Thank you to Dr.Grande always always. perfect analysis.

[@LisaMarieB]

Your recent conclusions are so well written and just always leave us with a "Wow" effect. Thank you.

[@jamesgoward5687]

Irrelevant aside: The Simpsons parodied the Baby Jessica event in an episode. The public turns its back on Bart when they discover he has been pretending to be a younger child

[@michaelcallaghan3070]

Yeah, I think it was the 'Timmy o' Toole, down the well ', episode. I watched that many times. 👍😎

[@MinPinSteve]

This is one of my favorite episodes, especially where’s Kristy and Sting write a song together. “Sending our love down the well.”

[@TJDious]

@@MinPinSteve This isn't isn't about show business, it's about some kid down a hole, or something, and we've all got to do what we can. -Sting

[@johnjohnmcclane1818]

..and we're sending out love down that well DOWN THAT WELL

[@lindsayantwine1097]

Of course everyone has heard of Baby Jessica but I had never heard about this guy. This is so incredibly sad. Another life lost because someone didn't have any recourse for failing mental health. Just the saddest thing. 😢

[@nicklager1666]

What an ordeal for everyone involved. I guess to some extent it was good she was so young when it happened, maybe she was spared some of the psychological trauma that way. Also the focused effort from the rescuers are commendable. Working fast but not stress the situation which could have caused problems with the extraction of Jessica from the well.

[@erynlasgalen1949]

Trauma is trauma, even when you're supposedly too young to remember it. It is with you in some form for your entire life. I truly hope adult Jessica is okay and that she doesn't have her private nightmares.

[@wendiwonderly1419]

This reminds me of the Richard jewel case. Richard jewell was also a hero but he wasn’t prepared to handle all the media attention. His high profile caused him to be accused of something he didn’t do. He certainly didn’t deserve that

[@glendasully]

I remember being glued to the TV during this rescue, but I had no idea of what happened afterwards. Thank you, Dr. Grande, for the rest of the story.

[@lv7118]

When Dr Grande lists the ludicrous gifts Jessica received, the dryness physically burns.

[@uralbob1]

This is so 'friggin sad. I had no idea this happened. Thank you for this episode.

[@kimberlysmith7311]

I didn't either. I like watching notable things on this channel because he delivers it with maturity, and objectively . He doesn't dramatize sad things for entertainment. Very sad story, yes.

[@missnellaful]

He acted on human nature as an emergency responder, and sadly, was turned into a HERO. WITHOUT ACTING LESSONS, OR MUSICIANS TO BACK HIM UP. We must guard our privacy.

[@sarahhollister150]

I think he felt very special in that moment and it gave him a real high. I would bet it’s the same way some people become addicted to gambling. I had a friend who used to go to Atlantic City occasionally to party. One time she went and she won $5000. She said it felt amazing and then she was always trying to capture that

[@mariagabrielle6383]

Adrenaline's a helluva drug.

[@kkheflin3]

And dopamine receptors.

[@stacyr3743]

I guess that’s a high that hard to come down from. I was immediately reminded of the I Love Lucy episode, “No Children Allowed. “ Ethel stands up for Lucy against Mrs.Trumble. Lucy is grateful until Ethel boastfully tells the story dozens of times to anyone who will listen. Lucy gets fed up and eventually tells the story with her, word for word.

[@piperjaycie]

Could you cover the case of Alfredo Rampi? Specifically the main reason he wasn’t rescued. That the two groups of rescuers couldn’t stop disagreeing how to handle the situation, refused to listen to experts, and were more focused on the possible media attention they would get if they were the group to free him. It’s so sad and makes me so angry!

[@Alex_Penjamin]

Dr G! You should do a video on Rachel Dolezal

[@mariagabrielle6383]

Oh, yeah. The culturally-appropriating, black-face & afro-wearing imposter. It's sad when you have to impersonate a minority to get the privileges everyone says whites have. What a mess!

[@uralbob1]

He has.

[@Alex_Penjamin]

@@uralbob1 show me the link. I couldn’t find it

[@uralbob1]

@@Alex_Penjamin ok.

[@jbw53191]

Thank you for this analysis, Dr. Grande. It sounds like Robert became addicted to the euphoria of being a hero and when the euphoric recall couldn't be sustained, cross addiction to narcotics took place.

[@karenmazzacone5906]

This was crazy when it happened!! I remember staying glued to my TV the whole time. I can only imagine the emotional toll it took on everyone. 😔

[@renee1961]

I hope she's having a good life!♥️♥️♥️

[@DenaDeniseRush]

I remember this. It was such a victory to get her out of the well. Then it later became so tragic. There wasn’t really any sort of mental health support offered back in those days for first responders. 🚒💔

[@alexisalexi5161]

This and the Dooms Day Clock updates were some of my earliest news memories. Thank you for the reminder I am now a middle-aged lady. It's unfortunate when anyone feels they need to take their life. Our lives are more than one singular event & everyday is an opportunity for new experiences and healing.

[@eadweard.]

What are Doom day clock updates?

[@katieandnick4113]

This is the first news event I remember watching. I was 3, but I remember it very distinctly.

[@gregofthedump]

The story of Jessica down the well was also reported in the UK. Of course, once she had been rescued, the story went away. I didn't know about the rescuers nor the effects on them. It's so terribly sad what happened to Robert.

[@angiedixon8017]

The ego, sometimes we must work extra hard to keep it corralled, where it belongs. I wish there was an easy way to prevent suicide. Thank you for sharing this story.

[@LDiamondz]

I wish the same.

[@user-tr4pz7lg7i]

This is my grandfather, I unfortunately never got to meet this amazing man. It is very interesting to hear all these videos from others who don’t know the real story of this amazing man he was. I love this man even though I never got to meet his amazing soul. Robert from your grandson you never met you are my hero no matter the outcome u made ur decision and I live with it everyday. If people only knew the real story of you, all these videos and documents would be so much brighter. Thank you dr for making this video to see my grandfather’s name still lives on really makes me happy. And thank you to everyone who watches and reads about my grandfather he was an amazing person and father.

[@leahrenea2709]

This was so incredibly sad. I remember watching the rescue with my mom. I was 17 and glued to the TV. I wasn't aware of what happened to Robert. This stuff right here is why I have no desire to be in front of a camera.

[@justinspringstun5836]

All we know is Robert was undoubtedly a hero on that day… we also know Roberts favorite soda is Dr. Pepper.

[@Nat524Ricci]

How sad to hear, I had no idea of this case until today, because I was 4 months old when this took place. I feel for this man, how sad. Traumatic events really never leave people.

[@mamashanshan2772]

Oh wow, it was on local news even, my oldest was 1 1/2, that grab the world’s attention. When you said the fireman and baby Jessica it all came flooding back.

[@renee1961]

How Heartbreaking for Robert!💔💔💔🙏🙏🙏 Prayers for his Family.

[@alabhaois]

I had no idea this happened to Robert O’Donnell- how tragic. 🙁😣😢

[@bobthompson4319]

I know what it's like to get migraines from a young age and even get told that eventually I'd out grow them at 25 that was almost 10 years ago. I got lucky and after being allergic to almost all migraine specific drugs until cgrp class of drugs and they are a blessing but a $600 a month one. So its $600 a month or have a severe migraine for 3 days out of the week and spend the next day recovering so that 3 out of 7 days in a week are ok when I didn't get kidney stones. Life is pain

[@LDiamondz]

I used to have terrible migraines. The pain was so bad I'd have taken anything, or paid any price to get rid of them. I still get them once in awhile, never as bad as I used to. I know what you mean, life really is pain, in one way or another. OR BOTH. I wish you well. ❤

[@thisxgreatxdecay]

Hey Dr. Grande, can you do a video not diagnosing, but speculating in what might be happening in the case of somebody like Max Landis, and analyzing his response to the allegations against him?

[@Auroradiluculum]

Very interesting. I never knew the extent of this story. Thanks Doc.

[@lorirees4248]

Sounds like he may have had some major stress before the rescue - Migraines since age 8, underweight, and drug addiction - If he had poor self esteem and then had this positive attention that can be very appealing for someone who craved and needed validation. A person who has suffered trauma can become obsessed with chasing attention and validation.

[@auntielaura5]

I knew a doctor (resident) who was part of the team who cared for a young boy who was trapped in the rubble of the collapsed Cypress Structure (freeway), after the 1989 earthquake in San Francisco. The situation was particularly traumatizing because the boy was trapped for a couple of days next to his dead mother, the team had to go under the rubble which was constantly threatening to collapse further, and they ultimately had to amputate the boy’s foot in order to remove him from the debris. 😳😢. The doctor never got the psychological support he obviously needed, and his reaction led to pain for a lot of people. Before the event he was apparently devoted to his wife and children and was very close to his extended family. Within a year after the earthquake he had an affair with (and ultimately became engaged to) his best friend’s wife, divorced his pregnant wife (telling her it was her fault), renounced deeply-held beliefs, and became estranged from his extended family. 🥺 Would that have happened with the disaster? Impossible to know - he did have a lot of stressors in his life - but I don’t think it would have happened all at once.

[@BrookeWinter82]

When you're old enough to remember "Baby Jessica", and watched it on TV. Wow lol

[@TheBffTwins]

I remember watching her rescue on live tv. I was not aware of the suicide. Sad. He gave Jessica her life back at the cost of his own.

[@misse7154]

Interesting story… I remember seeing this in the news but it's been a long time. Thank you Doctor Grande for sharing!

[@rullmourn1142]

Baby Jessica is 35-36 years old now. It would be ironic if they made a movie of Robert O’Donnell's life now, and how it ended.

[@cascadianrangers728]

It's so sweet and nice of all the people who gave the poor girl such lovely gifts. She must have been quite overwhelmed, it seems surreal, dream like...

[@carolannelabellekarlin440]

I saw this on the news as it was happening, and could see the desperation on the rescuer's faces. I can't imagine how it felt to be the one who had to get her out of there and have people just turn their backs on you! How sad that he shot himself! Another banger Doc!!😎

[@d.s.archer5903]

"All glory is fleeting." Ancient saying.

[@ms.xinister]

Dr.Grande, you definitely uncover so many details in these stories not told in the media. It’s very satisfying. Thank you!

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

I think it’s quite difficult to separate the concept of heroism from morality. We want heroes who not only perform extraordinary acts but also who possess fine qualities such as kindness, patience, compassion and modesty. Obviously that’s not feasible in real life. Fantastic analysis Dr. Grande. I truly enjoy discussions about heroes, it is one of my favorite topics. Thank you so much.❤️

[@cottontails9003]

Rejane, if you get the time can you please read my comment on the Collapse of two miners, in Tasmania, who when the mine collapsed, one man died, and two others were trapped in the mine, for two weeks. Thank you😘

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

@@cottontails9003 Oh ok, reading now…

[@cottontails9003]

@@rejaneoliveira5019 Thank you so much Rejane 😜

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

@@cottontails9003 Great stories Julianne, thanks for sharing!😉

[@elainearchibald9020]

Very sad story Dr. Grande! Thank you for your analysis! Robert probably did suffer PTSD. He was a hero by doing exactly what he chose to do. No one seemed to want to help him other than family. Heart breaking!!

[@nomiddlenamenmn427]

Great video. Always was interested in this case. I remember meeting one of Robert’s fellow rescuers. Sadly, I mostly recall him using racial slurs. Thank you.

[@Slayyer420]

I really appreciate you analyzing this case because it's actually some one that at least I could slightly relate to. This is a normal guy choosing to work a very honorable job. This incident gave him a taste of something he never had, and it sounded to me like that rescue was pretty important and traumatic in a unique way to him. I feel alot for this guy. He definitely sounds like he was being arrogant about himself a little, but for the media to work their "magic" and then everyone turn on him for seeing himself as a hero along with them is pretty sucky. Maybe the real lesson to be learned is that nobody is " a hero" but everyone has the ability to be heroic. Take the media out of the situation, they ruin everything for everyone.

[@TecOneself]

You're the best Doctor Grande, thank you!!!!!! Time never fails when you're there.

[@Oona707]

He was begging for help from everyone and ended up pushing everyone out of his life. He needed help bad

[@davidmenke7552]

❤💗💓 This was my question!!! This was my question!!! THANK YOU Doc!!!

[@mariagabrielle6383]

Don't get high on the recognition, but YAY!

[@Terri_Hugs]

I didn't know anyone that wasn't distraught about little Jessica! Isn't it ironic that someone like 'Oprah' cashing in on people's tragedy and grief! Really hit home now! So sad that someone would let a moment in time like this become what define and eventually end their lives.

[@eBuLLieNCePReSs]

I was there. I was fifteen. I attended Lee Freshman in Midland. My Baby Jessica poem was published in the newspaper. My younger brother later attended Midland Christian his senior year of high school. Jessica was in sixth grade there. I hate to hear this. The media circus is idiotic. All of that noise over a kid falling into a hole.

[@LUCKSREVENGE]

I watched this on our very old tv. So suspenseful!

[@gazepskotzs4]

I never heard of this happening and was pleasantly surprised to hear that the baby survived. And than the vid went on. That poor man was severely overwelmed and it did him in, so sad!

[@joemunguia1228]

I love how you just keep on furthering the information of their lives even after the “Rescue” it’s interesting to see how there lives have changed from such a brief event .. even to a man that once was a hero .. crumbled & became a shadow of his own self. How someone could do such a good thing from one moment & have their life just shattered in the next ..

[@lisasmith7]

We watched this continuously. It was amazing that they saved her.

[@DigitalNeb]

I'm so claustrophobic it was hard for me to listen to this. What an unbelievable heroic act.

[@SandyRiverBlue]

Dude should have gotten an agent or several agents. He wasn't bad looking just unwise. His fire chief should have mandated a mental health screening and treatment because he was obviously suffering.

[@meligarrett9197]

This is one of the three television coverages that haunt me: Baby Jessica, The Challenger explosion, and 9/11. I did not know this about Robert.

[@tammyblack2747]

This reminds me of that episode of The Brady Bunch where Peter saved a girl from being hit by a toystore shelf that fell. He got all conceited about it and bragged to everyone how he was a hero.