American survives Brussels attack, his 3rd brush with terrorism
BRUSSELS -- One of the three American missionaries injured in the Brussels terror attacks was also impacted in previous terror attacks in Boston and Paris.
Mason Wells was a block away from the marathon finish line when the Boston bombings happened, and he was also in Paris when terrorists attacked last November. He was not injured during those incidents.
Wells' father Chad Wells said his son was basically at "ground zero" at the Brussels airport on Tuesday. He said Mason is a "strong kid" who was able to remain calm throughout the ordeal.
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"I think the Boston experience helped him to stay calm," he said.
The 19-year-old Mormon missionary suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, shrapnel injures, as well as second-and third-degree burns on his face and hands. According to a family statement, he has undergone surgery and is continuing to receive medical care.
His parents have spoken to him, and they are optimistic he will make a full recovery.
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"We're just grateful for the news we got. Yeah, he's injured but he's going to make it through just fine. He was blessed significantly by God, and we see it as a blessing from this terrible curse," Chad Wells said.
The family said their main concern is that Mason will be able to pursue his dream of joining the U.S. Naval Academy despite his injuries. They said he always wanted to serve his country in the military.
ABC News contributed to this report.
