Jay Withey, The Man Who Saved 24 Lives During Historic Buffalo Blizzard And Left Apology Note For Breaking A Window

In December 2022, a devastating storm hit Erie County, New York.

Residents were in danger, and many lives, including those of Jay Withey's buddy who called him in a panic for help, were at stake.

Withey gave up his comforts for the benefit of another, yet he soon got himself into trouble.

The mechanic was forced to make a brave move.

Withey's friend was aware that only he had the courage to approach and give help. 

A number of people were struggling as the brave man drove through the storm.

Residents were left without enough gas to escape and cut off from emergency services due to the heavy snowfall and howling wind.

Unfortunately, nobody welcomed Withey into their homes, so he was forced to return to his chilly car feeling confused and terrified.

Withey noticed Mike the stranger going along the road as he was driving.

The man took him up and protected him from the cold because he was wearing a lightweight jacket and required help. But Withey's acts of bravery didn't stop there.

He attempted to continue driving, but the snow was too deep, and he was unable to dig himself out.

He realized he was in trouble because the situation was hopeless and because he had wet clothes and low fuel.

Despite knocking on more than ten doors of surrounding residences, the terrified guy was turned away. 

He offered them $500 and said:

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

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."

When Mary knocked on his door, she pleaded for help. Withey, Mike, and she all entered the truck. When Withey's car ran out of gas, they eventually shifted to her van.

Fortunately, he had a life-saving thought when Mary had to use the restroom. 

He looked for a restroom using his GPS and discovered a school close by.

The trio might find heat and shelter at EDGE Academy, which would also have a toilet.

Withey came up with a strategy and broke a window to gain entry to the school. 

He spotted a many number of people surrounding the building and helped them into the school.

There were more than twenty individuals, ranging in age from 20 to 70, as well as two dogs.

The group liked the warm surroundings, discovered fruit, and cereal, and slept on gym mats.

The group utilized snow blowers to clear their cars on December 25 and Withey stayed around until eight o'clock to make sure everyone was okay.

He was glad that everyone had made it through the ordeal.

Withey felt responsible for harming the school's property despite his heroic attempts, so he wrote a letter of apologies to the authorities 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.”

Withey thought he was supposed to save lives and considered the ordeal as a blessing in disguise.

He would not have been able to help strangers if someone had permitted him to spend the night in their home.

The Cheektowaga Police were shocked to discover his letter, but they were able to recognize and track him down using photographs from security cameras. 

Chief Brian Gould expressed his admiration for the citizen and said: 

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

Withey's activities thrilled the Buffalo Bills and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, who thanked him in a video in January 2023. 

He was also given tickets to the Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, as a surprise by them.

When presenting the prize, Thurman Thomas praised and adored the courageous individual.

The mechanic was thanked by Patti Thomas, who praised him as "everyone's hero."

Withey called the experience "wild" and said he valued each and every thank-you note. 

Additionally, the online community commended his deeds, saying:

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

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

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

When Withey discovered his unexpected fame, he was left speechless. His acts brought smiles to many faces and received feedback all the way from Australia.