Spencer Stone, French train attack hero, leaves hospital after Sacramento stabbing

Spencer Stone, the U.S. airman who was stabbed in a Sacramento street brawl last week just months after he helped thwart an attack on a train in France, has been released from the hospital, officials said.

Stone, 23, left the hospital Thursday, according to officials at UC Davis Medical Center, where he had been since Oct. 8, when he was stabbed three times in the chest as he left a bar in downtown Sacramento bar.

In a statement released by hospital officials, Stone thanked first responders and the hospital’s medical team. “Thanks to everyone who has sent encouragement during this challenging time,” Stone said. “I’m focused now on healing and recovering and look forward to the next part of my journey.”

Stone’s mother, Joyce Eskel, also released a statement through the hospital, expressing her family’s “deepest gratitude” to the hospital staff. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support from our family and friends, the Sacramento area, the Air Force, and people around the world.”

Law enforcement officials said Stone had been out with four friends when he got into a confrontation with a group of people. The argument turned into a physical fight and Stone suffered three stab wounds to the chest, officials said.

Security camera footage from a nearby liquor store showed Stone and a half-dozen individuals fighting. Some of those involved appeared to be fighting alongside Stone.

A second video released by police shows three individuals apparently fleeing through an alley and then getting into a waiting car.

Rescue workers initially feared Stone would not survive his injuries, but he underwent surgery and recovered in the hospital’s intensive care unit.

Stone was the first American to tackle a gunman aboard the Paris-bound train in August. He and his two friends were quickly hailed as heroes and celebrated by President Obama and French President Francois Hollande.

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