Shivangi Sinha
In Lifetime’s ‘The Girl Who Survived: The Alina Thompson Story,’ Carl Thompson’s quick thinking becomes a pivotal moment when he intervenes as William Bradford tries to lure Alina away during a photoshoot. His timely arrival unknowingly saves his daughter from potential harm. It is only years later that the family learns how Bradford targeted young women by offering them photoshoots and then attacked them. Sam Trammell and Ashley Jones are cast as Alina’s parents and they capture the fear, protectiveness, and vigilance parents experience when their children step into the wider world.
Nancy and Carl Thompson Were Actively Involved in Alina Thompson’s Modeling Career
Lifetime’s ‘The Girl Who Survived: The Alina Thompson Story’ is part of the network’s iconic Ripped from the Headlines series and stays remarkably close to the real events. In real life, Alina Thompson was being raised by her parents, Carl and Nancy Thompson, along with her three siblings, Tina, Alicia, and Brett, in Los Angeles, California, during the 1980s. When Alina expressed her dream of becoming a model, her parents were fully supportive and would take her to auditions and photoshoots. Carl, in particular, was known for being extremely vigilant and often accompanied Alina to ensure her safety. This vigilance proved crucial in 1984, when, during a shoot at Huntington Beach, Carl noticed William Bradford luring Alina into an aisle under the pretense of doing a private photoshoot.
Carl promptly followed after them, and it is likely that he saved his daughter’s life. Shortly after this incident, Bradford was arrested and charged with the murders of two women he had lured to the Mojave Desert under the guise of a photoshoot. Years later, in 2006, the LAPD released a series of photographs recovered from Bradford’s home, many of which featured Alina. These images, spanning nearly two years, revealed that Bradford had allegedly been secretly stalking and photographing her. In interviews, Alina shared that her father cried when he saw the pictures, as he fully grasped the danger she had been in. She credits Carl with teaching her to say “no” and considers the film an ode to him, the man who saved her life.
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Nancy and Carl Thompson Passed Away After Living a Fulfilling Life
Carl and Nancy Thompson built a warm and loving life together in Long Beach, California. They were devoted parents and later became doting grandparents, and always gave a sense of support to their family in whatever capacity. Nancy, a graduate of Ohio State University, made it a priority to keep the family connected, encouraged regular visits and created a joyful, welcoming home. On November 10, 2011, she passed away at the age of 74, surrounded by her loved ones. Not long after, Carl was diagnosed with cancer, and on December 30, 2015, he also passed away. Their family remembers them with deep affection, recalling their love, guidance, and commitment to family values. Carl and Nancy now rest side by side in Camarillo, California, a lasting symbol of the life and love they shared. Their legacy continues to inspire and bring comfort to their children and grandchildren.
