Right Person, Right Time: WGNO reporter steps in during nearly tragic moment

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Every day while at work, Rick Gogreve makes dozens of calls. But on Monday, while on the scene of a memorial balloon release at the New Orleans Riverwalk, he didn’t realize he’d be answering the ultimate call.

“We were at Jameshia Selders’ balloon release and out of a nowhere a gentleman walked up to the pier and stepped over the railing,” Gogreve said.

Realizing the potential severity of the situation, Gogreve sprang into action.

“We just lost one person. I didn’t want to see another person just a week later in the same spot,” Gogreve said. “Immediately, I just felt my body walking toward him.”

Gogreve spoke to the man, who told him he’s not doing well. He sat on the ledge, feet dangling with the Mississippi River below him. That’s when Gogreve made the decision that potentially changed everything.

“I kind of thought if I go over the railing myself and put myself not just mentally in his position but physically in his position sit next to him maybe that will be a good idea. I decided, ‘let’s do it.'” said Gogreve.

They talked for a few minutes, hugged a couple times and then the man hopped back on the other side of the railing to safety.

“We hugged. It was very nice to hug him on that other side of the railing,” said Gogreve. “To know that he was able to find the strength to get back up, it was great.”

“Rick showed some great courage in a really tight situation. Without thinking while others were watching, Rick got involved, deescalated the situation, and helped this young man out of a difficult time,” said WGNO News Director Rick Erbach.

That moment, making a difference. Gogreve being the right person in the right place at the right time. Gogreve hopes to connect with that man again soon.

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