Collier County Cowboys and the elderly man | Collier County Cowboys | Source: youtube.com/TheSun | instagram.com/colliercountycowboys_
When an older man found himself stuck in his submerged car, unable to grapple with the rising floodwaters, he had no idea that help was nearby. The senior citizen felt helpless in the wake of the raging storm until a group of Good Samaritans sprang into action.
In a world where we can choose to be anything, being kind and compassionate doesn't cost a dime. With so much fear, uncertainty, and chaos around us, engaging in good deeds and lending a helping hand to others can make an enormous difference in people's lives.
In the wake of natural disasters or unfortunate incidents, coming together as a community and supporting one another can help make things better. No matter how big or small, random acts of kindness never go unnoticed and might trigger a chain reaction that inspires more positivity. Today's story revolves around a similar theme.
The Deadly Storm
The situation in Florida has been anything but normal since Hurricane Ian unleashed its full force on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. According to the National Hurricane Center, the deadly storm continues to wreak havoc on Floridians, submerging whole neighborhoods.
Gavra also urged the people who needed help to reach out to him or his group.
Ian reportedly battered Florida's western coast areas, bringing down trees and causing power disruptions as the storm surged in major parts of the state. The aftermath of the hurricane saw the suspension of road and air traffic, with highways and roads inundated.
Wreaking Havoc
The historic storm reportedly came ashore as a Category four hurricane, leaving more than 2.6 million people without power. Search and rescue efforts have been underway to get people to safety and prevent the loss of precious lives.
Per NHC, Ian isn't done wreaking havoc yet. The latest storm forecast might result in catastrophic flooding in east-central Florida, with heavy winds, tornadoes, and life-threatening flooding and storms.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, September 28, Southwestern Florida was hit by a massive storm, resulting in a landfall with gusty winds of 150 mph and a record-breaking storm surge. While Ian is expected to weaken, it might re-intensify at times.
Glimmers of Hope
As of Thursday, September 29, the hurricane was said to have weakened, with tropical storm warnings issued from Florida to southern North Carolina.
In the wake of the rushing floodwaters that have turned everything topsy-turvy, beacons of hope have emerged in videos and images showing the local community stepping up to help each other.
One such clip surfaced online on September 29, where a group of kind-hearted men engaged in a heroic rescue. The footage showed an elderly man struggling to get out of his car submerged in floodwaters in Bonita Springs.
A group of Good Samaritans help an elderly man get out of his submerged car amid hurricane Ian. | Source: YouTube.com/The Sun
A Heroic Rescue
Finding help, given his circ*mstances, seemed like a far-fetched call; however, the universe sent not one but a group of Good Samaritans, "Collier County Cowboys," to save his life. In the video, a few men wearing cowboy hats can be seen helping the senior citizen get out of the flooded car.
Then, they carry him through the raging waves, away from the current, to safety. The men who helped rescue the elderly fellow shared the heartwarming footage on social media, which was in turn posted by several other news outlets. Benny from the group recalled:
"We saw an elderly man struggling in his car, and we knew he needed help. The guys all maintained to grab the door and pry it open. He was a bit in shock, so he didn't want to let go, so we assured him we were there to help him."
Two men are seen carrying the senior citizen through the rising floodwaters. | Source: youtube.com/The Sun
Another man from @colliercountycowboys, Lemi Gavra, expressed, "Thank God we were able to spot this elderly gentleman who was stuck in his car. He maybe had 10 more minutes before the car was submerged."
Gavra also urged the people who needed help to reach out to him or his group.
Comments from Netizens
The video of the elderly man's heroic rescue has become a viral sensation, racking up comments from netizens far and wide:
"Absolute hero’s my heart breaks but look at this. Floridians coming together and risking their lives to save others (sic)."
— (@julie.j.julie.14) September 29, 2022
"Angels come in all forms! Prayers for Florida and the heros involved (sic)!!!!"
— (@debbie.ruble.5) September 29, 2022
Indeed, these brave and courageous men were God-sent, who didn't hesitate for a moment to jeopardize their lives to save a complete stranger. Thank you so much for restoring our faith in humanity.
We send our heartfelt prayers to everyone battling the hurricane and storm. May peace and tranquility prevail in the region soon.
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Artie Phelan
Update: 2024-06-09
