During a youth baseball game, a massive dust devil suddenly formed around a 7-year-old boy, preventing him from breathing. Just when the child felt he was being lifted off the ground, a hero appeared — and it was all caught on video.

On sunny Sunday afternoons, young athletes in Florida like 7-year-old Bauer Zoya hit the field with dreams of glory in their hearts. Crowds of proud parents fill the stands, cheering on their little stars. But one Sunday, excitement turned to fear at the Fort Caroline Athletic Association park.

As 8-and-under teams competed, a dust devil, a mini whirlwind of dust, unexpectedly formed on the field. The FCAA Indians and Ponte Vedra Sharks were set for an exciting game, but Mother Nature had other plans.

It was the fourth inning. Bauer Zoya took his place as the catcher while a young batter faced the pitcher. As the pitcher threw the ball and the batter swung, a powerful dust devil appeared, swirling dust into a blinding storm around the two boys.

The batter managed to escape, but little Bauer was trapped at home plate. Struggling to breathe and see, the young boy was overwhelmed with fear.

“I couldn’t breathe that much,” Bauer told WSB-TV. “I held my breath and felt like I was being lifted off the ground. I was scared and afraid, wondering if someone would pull me out.”

Even small dust devils can reach wind speeds of 30 to 40 mph, posing serious risks. Just when Bauer thought all hope was lost, a hero emerged. Aidan Wiles, a 17-year-old high school junior, bravely charged into the swirling storm, grabbed Bauer, and carried him to safety.

“I saw him freaking out, not able to find his way out, and I knew his little body couldn’t handle it. So I rushed in and got him,” Wiles said. “I was taught that players’ safety is always the first thing.”

Bauer said Wiles arrived just in time. The swirling dust made it impossible to breathe or move.

“At first, I was scared, but then I told myself to think of happy thoughts. I thought the twister got me, but it was Aidan bringing me to safety,” Bauer recounted.

Once safe, volunteers rushed to help Bauer, pouring water on his face and eyes to clear away the dust.

“You saved his life!” a spectator exclaimed.

Brian Zoya, Bauer’s father, expressed immense gratitude to Wiles for his quick and courageous actions.

“A kid who just had the presence of mind to do that — it’s special to see,” Brian Zoya said. “He must have great parents. Next time I see him, I just want to say thank you.”

The Sharks may have lost the game, but Bauer felt a newfound courage after his close encounter with the dust devil. He believes the ordeal has made him bolder.

Wiles is unquestionably a hero for his selfless act. Though the dust devil incident was brief, his bravery shone like a beacon. Despite the game’s score, both Bauer and his rescuer are true champions.