In July 2017, Aaron Tucker came out of prison with just two dollars and a great hope for a new start. He had an interview that could change everything. Instead of focusing on himself, however, he helped a stranger trapped in a broken car. This decision cost him a chance to work – but it brought something much more valuable.
Act of courage on the highway
Aaron was taking a bus from Bridgeport to Stamford for an interview at the popular Dinosaur Bar-B-Que restaurant. A week earlier, he left the penitentiary after serving 22 months for armed crime. He lived in a rehabilitation center, raised a little boy, and literally counted every cent.
As the bus passed Westport, Aaron noticed a serious accident— car hit a tree and fell over. He jumped out of the vehicle without hesitation, despite warning the driver that he would be late for a meeting. He and other people pulled a 61-year-old driver out of a smoking wreck. He even used his elegant shirt (borrowed for conversation) as a dressing to stop the bleeding.
"Work will come and go, but life only has one thing" – he told reporters later.
From loss to wave of support
Being late meant losing that particular opportunity. However, the story quickly spread in the media. People were moved by the attitude of the man who was fighting for a second start, yet helped the stranger.
Neighbors and strangers launched a fundraiser at GoFundMe. Over $60,000. Several employers contacted Aaron by offering him a job.
