On August 11, 2021, the Marana Police Department awarded the Lifesaving Award to Alex Villa, and the Medal of Valor to David Santiago, whose courageous and heroic acts saved the life of 14-year old Samuel Ahkea from a deadly bee attack on July 29, 2021.
On July 29, Samuel Ahkea was riding his bicycle on the bike path south of Moore Road, unknowingly in the direction of a bee swarm that had built a hive in a nearby tree. As he got closer, several hundred bees attacked him. In a panic, Samuel dropped his bicycle, screamed for help, and ran in the opposite direction.
David Santiago was working as a landscaper near the bicycle path and saw Samuel running and calling for help. David immediately ran towards Samuel to help him, and the bees attacked both Samuel and David. As this was happening, Town of Marana Water Operator I Alex Villa was headed to a Gladden Farms residence when he saw the attack. Alex told both of them to jump into his truck so they could get out of the area. Alex himself was stung several times. Samuel jumped into the cab of the truck through the window, and David ran back towards his truck, an act that MPD believes distracted the swarm long enough for Alex and Samuel to leave the location. Officers and members from the Northwest Fire Department responded to the area to assist David, but, tragically, David did not survive the attack.
Alex drove Samuel to the Northwest Fire District Station #36. Samuel was immediately transported to the Tucson Medical Center, unresponsive and in critical condition. MPD was later informed that medical staff removed over 600 stingers from Samuel’s body.
Coincidentally, Alex and Samuel’s father are high school classmates who grew up in the Town of Marana. The quick and selfless actions by David and Alex saved Samuel's life. For their heroic efforts during this incident, the Marana Police Department is honored to posthumously award the Medal of Valor to David Santiago and the Lifesaving Award to Alex Villa.
The Medal of Valor is an award bestowed for a conspicuous act of heroism that exhibited courage and valor and involved the risk of life and knowledge of that risk. The Lifesaving Award is bestowed on an employee for an act that resulted in the saving or preservation of a human life that may have expired without the direct action by the rescuer, and which was beyond the scope of normal professional performance.
Samuel Ahkea, click to enlarge
Samuel Ahkea, “Little Blue”, is 14 years old and a freshman at Marana High School. He is a very active kid that enjoys playing football, basketball, and video games. When he is not playing sports, he loves to spend time with his family and friends. Samuel is known by his family and friends as “the kid who always puts a smile on everyone’s face.”
Alex Villa, click to enlarge
Alex Villa is a Marana native who has worked for the Town of Marana as a Water Operator I for nearly 4 years. After graduating from Marana High School, Alex began a career in the construction industry before discovering his passion working for the Water Department. As a seasoned professional with more than 20 years in the water industry, Alex is an invaluable team member to Marana Water where he specializes in hydrant maintenance. In his spare time, Alex enjoys prospecting for gold, playing softball, watching baseball, and spending time with his wife Billie and his 3 children.
David Santiago, click to enlarge
David Santiago was born in Douglas, Arizona, on January 30, 1992, the youngest of seven boys. He went to Rincon High School, he loved to barbecue with his brothers during the weekend, particularly during football season, and he was adored by his nieces and nephews. David was known for always lending a helping hand, asking nothing in return, never once complaining. He was known to come home with no shoes or a shirt at times because he would literally give his shoes or shirt to a homeless person he came across that was in need. David's character was one of a happy, humble, selfless person. Being the youngest in his family, he was certainly the epitome of a "Mama's Boy" and he was proud of it! David always looked out for his parents, they were his world.
David was a loyal friend and a hard worker. He consistently asked for more responsibilities at work. He was also the ultimate team player in life; he would always say, "Put me in coach!" because he wanted to help whenever, wherever he could.
David's goals were to build a family, settle down and travel the world. He was an amazing human being, happy, humble, kind and loved by so many. All of us at the Town of Marana, staff and citizens, extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of David Santiago during this difficult time.
