As temperatures plummeted during the devastating New York winter storm, resulting in numerous individuals trapped outside, one New Yorker took action.
Jay Withey’s truck was out of gas and stuck near Cheektowaga, New York, just east of Buffalo, on Friday, December 23. As he met more individuals who were stranded outside with nowhere to go, he chose to take sanctuary inside Pine Hill School.
His aim was just to go out and get as many individuals as he could and just keep going, Withey expressed. He simply continued going and walking till he couldn’t walk any more. He was completely exhausted.
To get himself and others inside, he finally chose to shatter one of the school’s windows. The alarm went off, yet authorities couldn’t get to the school because of the snow.
On December 29, the Cheektowaga Police Department asked for assistance in locating “Jay,” a guy who assisted multiple persons in finding a safe place to stay during the blizzard. The cops wanted to congratulate him for heroic acts that saved people’s lives.
Do you recognize "Jay"? The selflessness that people showed to help others during the storm is what WNY is really made…
Posted by Cheektowaga Police Department on Thursday, 29 December 2022
They released photographs from the CCTV camera showing the folks gathering inside in their statement. They also distributed Withey’s message, in which he apologized for breaking into the school and explained his circumstances.
To anyone it may concern, please accept his heartfelt apologies for shattering the school window and breaking in the kitchen, the message started. He was stopped at 8 p.m. Friday and spent the night in his vehicle with two strangers simply trying not to die.
He went on to say that there were seven elderly persons who were also stranded and out of petrol. He had no choice but to do it in order to save all and bring them shelter, food, and a restroom, he wrote, writing it ”Merry Christmas Jay.”
Cheektowaga police reported hours later that they were able to reach him and offer their thanks for his brave acts.
They also shared a photo of Withey with the folks he assisted that night, which he handed them. ‘Jay said they’re all like family now and are organizing an SUMMER get-together,’ the caption added.
We identified the amazing Jay with the help of his friends and family! Our Chief was able to speak to him and express…
Posted by Cheektowaga Police Department on Thursday, 29 December 2022
Withey spoke about his incident, saying he left the front door open so others might come in. Once inside, he unlocked the kitchen door and took only what was needed to feed the people, as well as blankets and drink from the nurse’s office.
During the blizzard, he assisted 24 humans and two canines.
The party stayed indoors for almost 24 hours before departing on Christmas morning. As the storm passed, Withey discovered a blower inside the school and assisted others in getting out of their cars.
According to Withey, once cops contacted him, the police chief praised him for looking after the group.
He hopes individuals understand how essential it is to be kind to one another and to do the right thing, Withey added.
Withey is not anticipated to face any charges for breaking in.
People went out of their way to aid others and find refuge throughout the storm. A Buffalo couple assisted in the sheltering of 130 strangers inside a church, while a woman and her kids were forced to sleep inside a Target after being stranded inside during the snow.
At least 40 individuals have perished in New York as a result of the storm, with the figure likely to rise when the National Guard does further door-to-door checks. The state is also prepared for floods caused by the heavy snowfall in the coming days.
