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Mother: Man paralyzed trying to save child has died

ROME, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News has learned the man who was paralyzed trying to save a 4-year-old has died.

The mother of Mike Patterson and the family lawyer contacted Channel 2 Action News earlier in the day Thursday to tell us of his passing. The family lawyer later said Patterson was not dead but was on life support. The family told Channel 2's Diana Davis of Patterson's passing Friday morning.

Patterson had been fighting several complications from his injury.

Earlier this month, Patterson jumped into a rushing creek to save a 4-year-old from drowning. He broke his neck when he hit a rock jumping into the creek.

Patterson had been in Redmond Medical Center in Rome ever since.

He developed several complications, including a lung infection, a bacterial infection and a blood clot in his arm.

Patterson family members told Channel 2 Action News they have received cards from all over the world since his story went viral on the Internet.

After learning Patterson had no health insurance, Atlanta media mogul Tyler Perry donated $50,000 to help with his medical expense.

Funeral arrangements are being made with Olin L. Gammage & Sons Funeral Home on North College Street in Cedartown.

WSBTV

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