‘Slender Man’ Survivor Receives Purple Heart From Anonymous Veteran

A 12-year-old girl, who survived an attack prompted by the fictitious “Slender Man,” received a Purple Heart medal from an anonymous military veteran. The young girl gained national attention when she was stabbed 19 times by two of her friends. Although she was critically injured, the girl continues to recover from the assault.

In May, the three girls were playing hide-and-seek in a Wisconsin park. Authorities said the victim was lured deep into the woods, where she was forced to the ground. Her friends, both age 12, then proceeded to stab her in the arms, legs, and torso — with a five-inch knife.

Following the assault, the attackers fled the scene. Although she was seriously injured, the victim managed to craw out of the woods and onto a sidewalk.

She was later discovered by a bicyclist and transported to a local hospital for treatment. As reported by NBC News, the young girl was “one millimeter from certain death.”

The 12-year-old girl eventually identified her attackers as two friends. When interviewed by police, the suspects admitted luring their victim into the woods and stabbing her multiple times. Although the attack was specifically heinous, their motive was equally disturbing.

Both girls said they were motivated by a fictitious entity called “Slender Man.” The frightening character was created by Eric Knudsen in 2009 — as part of an internet competition.

The contest, presented by SomethingAwful.com, challenged users to “create paranormal images.” Knudsen’s entry included a photograph of a tall, slender, faceless, man. In the photo, the “Slender Man” appears to lurk behind a group of teens.

The photo eventually prompted others to write stories, which often depict the entity as a mysterious man who lives in the woods. As reported by Today, the “Slender Man’s” “main intentions appear to be kidnapping children.”

The 12-year-old suspects said they were acting on behalf of the “Slender Man” when they brutally stabbed their friend. During police interviews, the girls said they intended to kill their friend and leave her body as an offering to the fictitious creature.

The victim has struggled to recover from the “Slender Man” attack. However, the Purple Heart medal has lifted her spirits. In addition to the medal, the anonymous donor enclosed a greeting card with a special message: “The only heart I could find! Be strong!”

In a statement to NBC News, the victim’s family expressed their gratitude to the military veteran:

“The family has been so touched and moved by this act of kindness that they would like to personally thank the individual, publicly or privately, for the gift and for their sacrifice for our country.”

The 12-year-old victim, and her family, have received an outpouring of support throughout her recovery. However, the “Slender Man” victim was especially gracious for the Purple Heart medal.

[Images via Shutterstock and Today]