Tessa Trotter, a Tennessee mother who survived a brutal attack, was emotionally reunited with the neighbors she credits with saving her life. The touching moment unfolded during an interview with NewsNation’s Ashleigh Banfield, where Trotter was surprised by Ralph Grayson and his son, Clay, who rushed to her aid on the day of the attack.
On July 1, Trotter’s plans to visit her twin sister with her two young boys took a harrowing turn.Her husband, Zachary Mowel, assaulted her violently, stabbing her multiple times before beating her and setting their home ablaze with gasoline, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The chilling scene unfolded in front of her terrified children, who pleaded with their father to stop, reported the New York Post.
“I thought I was dead,” Trotter recalled from her hospital bed. “The only thing I was thinking about were my boys and what would happen to them.”
The Grayson family, who lived across the street, heard the commotion and immediately sprang into action. Ralph and Clay Grayson broke into the burning house to pull Trotter to safety, a heroism that Trotter vividly remembers. During her emotional interview, Banfield connected Trotter with the Graysons via video chat, leading to an outpouring of tears and gratitude from the survivor.
“You’re a part of my life now,” Trotter told them, visibly moved. “I can’t say thank you enough. I would not be here if it wasn’t for y’all.”
Clay Grayson responded with heartfelt words, expressing relief at Trotter’s recovery and offering future support. “Whenever you come home or get out of the hospital, we can sure have something to do with one another,” he said.
Trotter’s injuries were severe, including nine stab wounds, a collapsed lung, third-degree burns on her right leg, broken ribs, and paralysis from the waist down. Despite these challenges, her resilience has been bolstered by the support of her community. A GoFundMe campaign started by her sister has already raised nearly $70,000 to cover medical bills and living expenses.
Her husband, Zachary Mowel, 28, has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated arson, and domestic assault.
As Trotter continues her recovery, the support from her rescuers and the community underscores the power of courage and compassion in the face of adversity.