Welles Crowther, a Nyack High School and Boston College graduate, was working in the South Tower at the World Trade Center when Flight 175 hit the tower on 9/11. Welles Crowther, in addition to being a High Honor Roll student and a three season varsity athlete, joined the volunteer fire department at sixteen in Upper Nyack. He became an official member at eighteen.
Months after the attack, survivors described the person who had rescued them. They stated that Welles was, “wearing a red bandanna to cover his nose and mouth, protection against the smoke and debris,” and, “he found and directed dazed and confused victims to the only stairwell that was open for escape, and he carried a woman down to the 61st floor, then returned to the 78th floor to rescue more people. He turned back up once again after bringing the second group of survivors down.” After hearing this, Welles’ mother was sure it was her son who helped rescue them. She knew that Welles always carried a red bandanna in his back pocket. She sent pictures to the survivors who were rescued by Welles Crowther and they confirmed it was him.
On the attack of September 11th, Welles Crowther saved eighteen lives. Nyack High School hosts their Red Bandanna games in the fall and the lacrosse Red Bandanna Tournament in the spring to honor and remember Welles Crowther. In addition, Boston College also holds their Red Bandanna 5k every year, this year it will take place on October 19th 2024. Welles Crowther, The Man In The Red Bandanna, will always be remembered as a hero.