Felipe
March 20, 2017 By Hannah Wulkan
After a local man was hit by a 7 train in Jackson Heights while trying to save another man who fell on to the tracks, his family has started a fundraising page to help cover the cost of his recovery.
On Monday March 13, a drunk 28-year-old man fell on to the tracks from the northbound platform at 82nd St.-Jackson Heights subway station around 9:40 p.m.
A 41-year-old bystander named Felipe alerted the MTA clerk and then jumped on the tracks in an attempt to rescue the man, but both were struck by an oncoming 7 train.
The two men dragged for about 40 feet, and were taken to Elmhurst Hospital for treatment, where both are alive and in recovery.
In order to help the Good Samaritan, his family has started a GoFundMe page to help pay for his recovery and subsidize his expenses, as he does not have health insurance and works doing physical labor, according to the site.
According to the page, Felipe went to the hospital with a shattered shin, and it was unclear whether or not he would lose his leg. The doctors at Elmhurst inserted a metal rod in to his leg to save it.
“He’s in a lot of pain, but in positive spirits and his main concern is missing work at the Midtown restaurant where he is a vital team member,” the page, written by Felipe’s sister-in-law, explains.
“His job is physical and he does not have insurance. His father, brothers and the rest of the family want him to rest and stay off his leg until it heals properly. We realize that in the next few months he will need extra support which is why we are reaching out to family and friends,” the page adds.
The fundraising page launched yesterday, and has raised $2,875 with 67 donations towards its $5,000 goal.
Many donors have also been leaving notes of encouragement for Felipe on the page.
According to the page, the first man on the tracks is expected to fully recover as well.
To view the GoFundMe page, visit https://www.gofundme.com/help-local-hero-who-saved-a-life.
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3 Comments
Please keep reporting more of these stories. This man is a true HERO!! Will donate!
People like these are a gift to society. He should not have to worry about medical expenses. I would gladly have my tax dollars go toward mending this hero’s shattered shin.
your a true life hero … 1 of every 100 people would do what you actually did .. I commend you my friend and will say it’s a honor to send this e mail