Man Saves 24 Lives during Historic Buffalo Blizzard, Leaves Apology Note for Breaking a Window Right After

A man from Cheektowaga, New York, got a desperate call for help from a friend trapped in a snowstorm. He never knew it would lead to a life-threatening scenario, but the faith-filled man was in the chaos for a reason.

Erie County, New York, experienced a terrible storm in December 2022. Residents were in danger, and many lives were at risk, including Jay Withey's friend who called him for help, panicking.

Withey sacrificed his comforts for the sake of another but quickly found himself in a sticky situation. The mechanic was forced to take drastic actions.

Residents Were Trapped in the Blizzard

Withey's friend knew he was the only person brave enough to come over and help. The courageous man drove into the storm and saw several people struggling along the way.

The snow was thick, and the wind howled, leaving residents stranded without enough gas to escape and blocked off from emergency services.

Sadly, no one opened their homes to Withey, and he was forced to return to his icy vehicle feeling lost and afraid.

The Situation Looked Hopeless

During his drive, Withey saw a stranger named Mike walking on the road. He wore a light jacket and needed assistance, so the man picked him up and saved him from the cold. But this was only the beginning of Withey's heroism.

He tried to keep driving, but the snow was too dense, and he couldn't shovel his way out. The situation was hopeless, and with wet clothing and dwindling fuel levels, he knew he was in trouble.

The terrified man began knocking on the doors of nearby homes, but over ten people turned him away. He offered them $500 and said:

"Please, please can I sleep on the floor."

He Feared for His Life

Sadly, no one opened their homes to Withey, and he was forced to return to his icy vehicle feeling lost and afraid. He explained:

"My vision is getting foggy, my body is cramping up, and I'm fearing for my life."

A woman named Mary knocked on his door and asked for help. She got into the truck along with Withey and Mike. They eventually moved to her van when Withey's vehicle ran out of gas.

Thankfully, he thought of a life-saving idea when Mary needed to use the restroom. Using his GPS, he searched for a location of a restroom and found a school nearby. EDGE Academy would have a toilet and could provide the trio with the heat and shelter they needed.

The Hero's Life-Saving Plan

Withey devised a plan and broke into the school by smashing through a window. He saw countless people near the establishment and got them into the school.

More than two dozen people between the ages of 20 and 70 gathered in EDGE Academy, along with two dogs. The group found fruit and cereal, slept on gym mats, and enjoyed the warm environment.

On December 25, the group used snow blowers to free their cars, and Withey stayed around until 8 p.m. ensuring everyone was doing well. He was relieved that everyone had survived the ordeal.

A Letter of Apology to the School

Despite his heroic efforts, Withey felt responsible for damaging the school's property, so he left a note of apology to the school officials, explaining:

"I’m terribly sorry about breaking the school window and for breaking in the kitchen ... There were seven elderly people also stuck and out of fuel. I had to do it to save everyone and get them shelter and food, and a bathroom. Merry Christmas, Jay.”

He Saved Lives

Withey saw the ordeal as a blessing in disguise and knew he was meant to save lives. If someone had allowed him to sleep in their home for the night, he would not have ended up in the school with other desperate strangers.

Cheektowaga Police were stunned when they found his letter and used surveillance camera images to identify and locate him. Chief Brian Gould was in awe of the citizen and expressed:

"Not only a heroic action but just an overall good person. He definitely saved some lives that day."

An Award for the Brave Man

The Buffalo Bills and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York were impressed by Withey's actions and thanked him via video in January 2023. They also surprised him with tickets to the Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona.

Thurman Thomas presented the award and expressed admiration and love for the brave man. Patti Thomas thanked the mechanic and hailed him, "everyone's hero."

The Online Reaction

Withey described the experience as "wild" and appreciated every thank-you letter. The online community also praised his actions, saying:

"Thank you for your kindness to help others. You're a role model to us. God bless you and your family."

- (Niea Paula Giannattasio Joven) Januray 17, 2023

"He did something that impacted so many. He saved lives! Well deserved! Enjoy the game!"

- (Kristin D'Angelo Clark) January 17, 2023

"Congrats to you for the wonderful job of recusing the two dozen people from the blizzard. Thank God for that."

- (Dorothy Broadwater) January 17, 2023

Withey was speechless when he learned of his overnight popularity. His deeds made many people smile and garnered reactions from as far as Australia. Well done, brave one!

Click here for another inspiring story about an everyday hero. A mom of nine saw an elderly woman freezing during the Buffalo blizzard, so she stepped forward to help.