An exceptional cold and snow storm has hit much of the United States to such an extent that the National Weather Service calls it “the most devastating snow storm in the last 50 years.”
As Storm Elliot, also called the “deadly storm”, moves away from the North American country, the human cost is increasing. However, in the midst of chaos, solidarity is the protagonist of great stories.
Like that of Sha’Kyra Aughtry, who has been nicknamed “the angel of Buffalo”, a city in western New York particularly affected by the historic snowstorm, after she managed to save Joey “Joe” White on Christmas Eve , an adult over 64 years of age with mental disabilities who was trapped in the snow.
As the deadly storm tore through various parts of the country over the holiday weekend, killing at least 64 people, the mother of three was at home when she heard someone call for help in the freezing cold on Christmas Eve morning.
It was at that moment that Aughtry along with her boyfriend, Trent, decided to go looking for the man while the woman broadcast “live” through Facebook to share what was happening and ask for help, as she tried to call the emergency services. , but they did not go to the place to help their neighbor.
I’m going crazy because I’m afraid […] I’m starting to see his body change a lot from the time I had him. I called the National Guard, 911. I called everyone, they just told me I was on a list. I don’t want to be on a list […] I don’t care about anything else. This man is not going to die here.
According to Aughtry, “Joe” was found outside in a snowdrift, suffering from severe frostbite. The little old man was so cold that they had to cut off his socks, dry his frozen pants with a hair dryer, and cut the straps of a grocery bag from his hands.
In addition, the couple used garden shears to cut a ring from her finger, which was swollen and turning black from apparent gangrene. Unfortunately, Joey suffered terrible fourth degree burns and is being treated by a specialist. However, he almost certainly would have died if Aughtry hadn’t stepped in to help him.
Eventually, a group of people who watched Aughtry’s broadcast came to their aid, taking White to the hospital the night before Christmas.
Joey White’s rescue by a complete stranger went viral after Kimberly LaRussa, a blogger who writes inspirational stories on the Sweet Buffalo Facebook page, posted the story and photos online.
Meanwhile, in an interview for The Buffalo NewsWhite’s sister, Yvonne White, reported that he is in the burn unit at the Erie County Medical Center.
I just called him. He is extremely weak. He has fourth degree frostbite on his hands. We hope and pray that everything turns out for the best.
On December 27, local authorities confirmed at least 32 deaths in the Buffalo area, surpassing the number from the tragic blizzard of 1977. The dead were located in cars, houses and buried under large piles of snow in streets.