Student hurt in Colo. school shooting thanks teacher, hopes to be skateboarding again soon

Boy hurt in Colo. school shooting thanks teacher

DENVER — A boy hurt in last month’s Colorado school shooting is out of the hospital and praising the teacher who saved his life.

Matt Thieu of Deer Creek Middle School in Littleton was shot in the back Feb. 24 when a gunman fired shots at students with a hunting rifle. The boy said on NBC’s “Today” show Friday that he’s almost recovered and hopes to be skateboarding again in four weeks.

Thieu appeared on the show with David Benke, the math teacher who tackled suspected shooter Bruco Strong Eagle Eastwood.

The boy said that Benke “saved many lives” and that his actions were “great.”

Benke said he’s still bothered by the attack. He told the “Today” show that Thieu is “one of the coolest kids I’ve ever taught.”