It’s not every day that you witness something extraordinary on an ordinary drive. But for Pavel Fesyuk, a simple car ride turned into a life-saving moment he’ll never forget.
Pavel, a former American Ninja Warrior contestant and a skilled mixed martial artist, didn’t need his physical talents this time—just his quick thinking and a heart willing to help.
— Pavel Fesyuk (@PFesyuk) December 23, 2015
It all began when Pavel noticed a car stopped on the side of the road. A man, William Harris, was hunched over beside it. At first glance, Pavel wasn’t sure what was happening, but something about the scene didn’t sit right. Trusting his instincts, he pulled over to investigate.
What he found was alarming—William was choking and unable to speak. Without hesitation, Pavel stepped in. A pat on the back wasn’t enough, and time was running out. That’s when Pavel, calm under pressure, performed the Heimlich maneuver with precision.
After two firm attempts, William could finally breathe again. Relief swept over both men as the crisis ended. And thanks to Pavel’s dash cam, the entire heroic act was captured on video—a testament to the power of being in the right place at the right time.
When ABC News shared the video on their Facebook page, it quickly went viral. Thousands of viewers praised Pavel for his courage and compassion. Comments poured in, like this one from Jennifer Guggisberg:
“This world needs more people like this!! God Bless Him!”
Another commenter, Joyce Caro, summed it up perfectly:
“God Bless that Good Samaritan. I am proud of him. Right there and then, there was no black or white, just being a good person.”
After the ordeal, Pavel and William exchanged a few words of gratitude before parting ways, returning to their lives forever changed by that brief but powerful moment.
It’s heartwarming to know that there are people like Pavel, willing to stop, step up, and save a life. Imagine if we all carried that same spirit of kindness—what a world it would be.
What would you do in a situation like this? Share this incredible story with your friends, and let’s celebrate the everyday heroes among us.
