Can you explain the Mitchell Hults phenomenon?
The Mitchell Hults is now a worldwide phenomenon.
For those who inexplicably don’t know who he is: Mitchell is the 15-year-old boy who glimpsed the white pickup truck that eventually became a key clue to discovering Ben Ownby and — even more amazingly — Shawn Hornbeck, who had been missing more than four years.
Clearly, the boy is a hero.
He’s been feted at Gov. Matt Blunt’s state of the state address (shown in this picture, uncharacteristically wearing something besides his camouflage jacket). He received a personal phone call from the governor.
He’s received the prize of a white pickup truck of his own — even though he’s still too young to drive it, or even own it.
Watch the video: RealPlayer or Windows Media.
He’s made all the magazines. He was expected to meet his hero, Larry the Cable Guy, on Thursday. See this, from the Associated Press:
Mitchell was a special guest honored at Gov. Matt Blunt’s State of the State address Wednesday night. He has backstage passes for a show Thursday night in Columbia featuring his favorite comedian, Larry the Cable Guy.
The comedian even posted a message on his Web site praising Mitchell:
“When I first saw Mitchell giving a description of the truck earlier in the week, I told my wife, ‘now that’s a good country boy right there.”‘
So, folks, let’s discuss it: Has the Mitchell Hults phenomenon gone over the top? Or is all just fine for this happy story to linger for a long time? How do you explain the phenomenon?
Kurt is the director of social media for the Post-Dispatch, where he has worked since August 2002. He's been a journalist since 1982, covering municipal government, courts, education and two hurricanes as a reporter before becoming an editor. 
Congratulations to this kid. Good deed done by what appears to be a decent person.
Though I wonder….maybe it’s the suburbanite in me, but we were usually wary of classmates that wore camos all the time, especially when it wasn’t hunting season. It must be a rural thing and I just don’t understand.
Hope Mitch stays grounded and doesn’t let it get to his head!
Does anyone know if the Kirkwood po-po thanked and congratulated him yet?
Sure - he did the right thing….and he should be congratulated for it. There are way too many teenyboppers nowadays who are too busy worrying about superficial things like finding a mall that will let the enter on weekends. This event will encourage other youths to be vigilant and help catch serious criminals like child abductors, murderers, and Republicans.
“Has the Mitchell Hults phenomenon gone over the top?”
Are you kidding me? In a society that IDOLIZES the likes of Oprah, Bono, Brangelina, Nelly, Madonna, Mohammed Ali, Bill Clinton, etc. etc. etc., it is certainly a welcome change to see one of the “regular folks” like Mitchell receiving admiration and praise for not only doing the right thing, but for going above and beyond what one would expect from most adults - let alone a teenager. Obviously, as time goes by, this won’t be the “top story” of the day, but right now, Mitchell and his family are more than deserving of their moment in the sun - and I wish them all the best.
Furthermore, I can’t help but wonder if the Akers have given or are planning on giving Mitchell and his family some sort of monetary reward. As I recall, they were offering a reward years ago for information leading to Shawn’s return, and although I read somewhere that that reward was rescinded awhile back, given this sudden miraculous turn of events, and the fact that it was, indeed, Mitchell’s information that led to Shawn’s (and Ben’s) return, I think it’s fair to say that Mitchell is due that money.
I think it’s awesome what people are doing for this kid! I agree with the #3 comment. It’s about time we hold ‘real’ heroes in the spotlight (even though I am an Oprah fan and think she is a hero for what she gives back to people).
I hope Mitchell makes something special of himself as he grows into an adult! I think he would do well in law enforcement!
What is there to explain? Young Mr. Hults is a good kid with a great memory. From the way he likes that camo, likely he’s an outdoors kid, who has always noticed things most city folk miss. (You cannot be a successful hunter or a hiker or participate in outdoors activities if everything is a blur. You have to know that this buck has antlers which aren’t large enough to be legal, and to be able to tell one gender of animal from another at many yards). And, if you grow up in a small town, anything or anyone out of the ordinary is noteworthy. He noted.
He’s what we’re supposed to be bringing up kids to become. I’m not sure all this financial adulation from strangers is a good thing… but hey, if you get your 15 minutes of fame–rise to the occasion. But don’t forget to do your homework, Mitch, because real life is going to descend sooner or later.
Mitch Hultz is a true Hero. He definitely deserves his place in the sun and his new pickup too! His keen eye and memory helped save two boys who may have not otherwise been found.
His ‘celebrity’ is a good thing. It’s great to see the average joe in the spotlight for something good. It also brings to mind the man in New York who risked his life to save another by covering the person with his body as a subway train passed over them! These are the real heroes….no special effects or expensive movie sets needed!
These are two stories are the best of the year and I will never forget the bravery of these two.
May God continue to bless Mitch. Enjoy the Spotlight son!
I feel it was about time that Mitchell got more than just a pat on the back and a “thanks”. He deserves everything he is getting. In my opinion he is the REAL hero in this tale-especially since most 15 year olds wouldn’t have been savvy enough to give such helpful information.
NO MITCHELL=NO SHAWN OR BEN
No offense but this question seems like a no brainer..I would be shocked if others feel this kid is unworthy of such attention!
I think it’s great that Mitchell is getting all of these accolades, he deserves it.To be so observant is very unusual, I’m surprised he didn’t get the license number too. Good job Mitchell !! Way to git-r-done. He probably deserves more. He parents must be so proud of him.
Linda
It is refreshing to see this kind of “phenomonon” bestowed on someone who deserves it, for doing the right thing. Why would this be over the top? Paris hilton media coverage is over the top.
I absolutely adore Mitchell and am delighted at seeing him feted. He deserves it.
After long news cycles of Britney Spears’ vulva and Janet Jackson’s nipple, I’m thrilled to see a great kid who did something wonderful getting some attention.