Fort Worth, Texas – A Fort Worth convenience store manager and a woman he rescued from life-threatening cold conditions were reunited this week after a dramatic rescue that may have saved her life. Surveillance footage and firsthand accounts show how quick action during freezing weather helped prevent a tragic outcome.
Incident Overview
The rescue happened during a severe cold spell that brought freezing rain and sleet to North Texas. Bobbi Burrell, 50, was found frozen on the street outside Evans Food Mart after spending the night outdoors when a warming shelter closed earlier than expected.
Burrell had been exposed to the cold from Friday night into early Saturday morning, leaving her unable to stand or walk. Her condition had deteriorated rapidly by the time help arrived.
Timeline of Events
On Friday night, Burrell attempted to reach a local warming shelter but learned it was no longer open. With no safe place to go, she remained outside throughout the night as temperatures dropped.
By early Saturday morning, freezing rain and sleet began to fall. Burrell, barefoot and severely cold, attempted to crawl across icy pavement in search of help after she realized she could no longer stand.
A regular customer at Evans Food Mart spotted her lying on the ground and immediately ran inside the store to alert the manager.
Details From the Store Manager
The store manager, Faris Hussain, recognized the name immediately.
“When I heard her name, it was one of my good customers,” Hussain said. “So I instantly was like, ‘No, there’s no way. We gotta go help her right now.’”
Hussain rushed outside and found Burrell nearly frozen solid. He was the only person physically able to lift her.
“She felt like a rock, as stiff as a rock,” Hussain said. “No matter which way you picked her up, her body was going to stay the same form.”
Security video from Evans Food Mart captured the moment Hussain carried her to safety.
Condition of the Victim
Burrell later described the terrifying ordeal, saying she initially believed no one could hear her cries for help.
“I didn’t think anyone was going to help at first,” Burrell said.
She explained that she had removed her shoes because she could not get them back on due to the cold.
“I couldn’t stand up, couldn’t walk. I started crawling through the ice to try to get some help, without my shoes on,” she said.
The incident occurred just one day after her 50th birthday, adding emotional weight to the rescue.
Emergency Response
The Fort Worth Fire Department confirmed that crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after the rescue. Paramedics transported Burrell to a hospital for treatment related to cold exposure and possible hypothermia.
Officials emphasized that prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can become fatal quickly, particularly for individuals without shelter.
Additional Context on Cold Weather Risks
Cold weather emergencies pose serious risks, especially for people experiencing homelessness. Hypothermia can set in when body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to confusion, loss of movement, organ failure, and death if untreated.
Local authorities urge residents to check on neighbors, report individuals in distress, and utilize emergency services during extreme weather conditions. Many cities also encourage businesses and residents to notify officials if shelters reach capacity.
A Message of Gratitude and Hope
Hussain reflected on the timing of the rescue, noting Burrell’s recent hardships.
“She’s been through a car accident just a few months before that,” he said. “Her birthday was the night before it froze over. It’s kind of like God’s watching over you.”
Burrell expressed deep gratitude to Hussain, emergency responders, and those who prayed for her recovery.
“Hopefully, to inspire others to help,” she said. “If somebody is screaming for help, help them.”
Conclusion
What began as a routine morning at a neighborhood convenience store turned into a life-saving act of compassion. The reunion between Burrell and Hussain highlights how fast action and human kindness can make the difference between life and death during extreme weather.
Call to Action
Cold weather emergencies can affect anyone. If you see someone in distress during freezing conditions, contact local authorities or emergency services immediately. Share your experiences in the comments below.
