Local

Tiny girl, big hero: Local 2-year-old credited with saving mom's life

BEAVER COUNTY, Pa. — She may be miniature in size, but a local 2-year-old is being called a big hero.

Riley Thayer, of Beaver County, is being credited with saving her mother's life. 

Channel 11's Amy Marcinkiewicz got a chance to meet Riley on Wednesday. Marcinkiewicz says Riley may not be able to speak in full sentences yet, but she certainly knew what to do in an emergency situation.

Riley's family members said her mom, Deena Budkey, suffered a seizure and fell down a set of stairs. When the child realized what happened, she ran for help.

"She said, 'Mommy's hurt.  Mommy ouchies'  and dragged us with her, where we found Deena," said Riley's grandmother Sherry Basalyga.

Police said they believe Riley saved Budkey's life because she fell down a set of stairs in the back of their home where no one would have been able to see her.

"We are very proud of her.  She was great.  She saved my daughter's life," said Riley's grandfather John Budkey.

Budkey remains in a local hospital where doctors are treating her for a head injury and monitoring seizure activity.