There were many heroes involved in the September 11 attacks. One of them included ‘the man in the red bandana.’

At six, Welles Crowther received a red bandana from his dad. Welles wore his bandana to school, sports games, and to work everyday since the day his dad gave it to him.  He grew up playing ice hockey and lacrosse in high school. He also volunteered as a junior firefighter at his local department. After high school, Welles went to Boston College, playing varsity lacrosse all four years. Later, he began working at Sandler O’Neill and Partners, LP in the equities trade in the South Tower, and his dream was to work on Wall Street.

Welles headed to work on September 11 early in the morning. At 9 Am, after the North Tower plane crash, Crowther called his mom to let her know he was okay. When Flight 175 hit the World Trade Center’s South Tower, survivors huddled together, believing there was no way to exit. However, a ‘man in a Red Bandana’ appeared through the smoke, speaking in a calm voice helping them escape down the stairs. Welles made a total of three trips to the 78th floor lobby assisting the people to safety. Welles could have exited with them, but he wanted to help more people. At 10 AM, Welles was making his way to the lobby with ‘Jaws of Life’ to help more people, when the South Tower collapsed.

Somehow, Crowther’s mom knew her son was gone, but they hadn’t had any confirmation. After the survivors were taken to the hospital, they were asked about their experiences during the attack. Many describe a young strong man in a Red Bandana. Welles’ family knew that it was their son by the description. Six months later, Welles Crowther’s body was found. In total, it is estimated that ‘the man in the Red Bandana’ saved 18 people.

Welles Crowther impacted a lot of people in his 24 years of life. Boston College lacrosse wears red bandanas with “For Welles” at their games. In 2006, the New York department named Welles an honorary firefighter. At the station where Welles was a junior firefighter, the last image they see before leaving for a call is Welles’ picture.

Welles’ co-worker at Sandler O’Neill and Partners used to tease him for his red bandana. However, he would tell him, “This bandanna is going to change the world.” Little did Welles know how his statement would come true.