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Chris Evans, Octavia Spencer, more stars rally behind boy who saved sister from dog attack

6-year-old Bridger and his little sister.
6-year-old Bridger and his little sister.

Celebrities are rallying behind a young boy who his aunt says "saved his little sister's life."

Bridger, 6, protected his sister, 4, from an attacking dog, Instagram user Nikki Walker explained in a series of posts to Instagram.

"He, himself, took on the attack so that the dog wouldn’t get his sister. He later said, 'If someone was going to die, I thought it should be me,' " the aunt wrote.

In a statement to USA TODAY Thursday, Bridger's family detailed the incident but noted that their knowledge of the events is "limited to what we heard from our now four (4) year old daughter and from Bridger's own account of events."

The act of bravery landed him with about 90 stitches, his aunt explained in a following post. She also tagged some of the "Avengers" stars so that they could "learn about this latest addition to their ranks."

And the call to the heroes was met.

Chris Evans did a video message for Bridger, the aunt posted Wednesday.

"Hey, Bridger. Captian America here, how you doing, buddy... I'm sure you've heard a lot of this over the past few days but let me be the next one to tell you – pal, you're a hero, what you did was so brave, so selfless," Evans says in the video. "Your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother. Your parents must be so proud of you."

Evans said he is also sending the boy, who was dressed up in a Captain America costume while watching the video, "an authentic Captain America shield."

"Because pal, you deserve it," Evans added.

Video: Man uses nutcracker to thwart dog attack

Mark Ruffalo, who plays the Hulk, also commented on one of the earlier posts about Bridger.

"Dear Bridger, I just read about what happened to you and I wanted to reach out to say this... People who put the well beings of others in front of themselves are the most heroic and thoughtful people I know. I truly respect and admire your courage and your heart," he wrote. "Real courage isn't dominating people or fighting against people or walking around like a tough guy. Real courage is knowing what is right to do and doing it even when it might end up hurting you somehow.

He continued, "You are more of a man than many, many I have seen or known. With Admiration...Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/Hulk/Professor)."

Octavia Spencer comment on the same post, writing, "I'm not an avenger but I know and appreciate them as I appreciate your little hero. Angel hugs for you."

Robbie Amell wrote, "A real hero. Get better soon Bridger" with multiple thumbs up emojis.

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino commented, "You can measure height but you can't measure heart #hero."

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, more rally behind boy who saved sister