Menifee 6-year-old honored for saving his brother's life

The Menifee City Council last week honored a local 6-year-old boy who recently saved his 2-year-old brother from drowning.

While his father was removing the electric pool cover and was out of the line of sight, Tanner O’Dell jumped into the backyard pool and saved his brother Gunnar, who had fallen into the water. Tanner’s father responded to the splash to find both boys safe, thanks to the heroics of Tanner.

“I was standing 20 feet away at the control of the pool cover,” Tanner’s father said. “Three seconds later I heard a splash and some screaming. I didn’t fully understand until I realized that Gunnar took one step too far and sank below his head.

“Tanner saw what was going on from across the yard and ran to save his brother.”

“Tanner, you are a true Menifee hometown hero,” Council member Lesa Sobek said to Tanner as he was presented with a proclamation.