What began as a day of celebration for thousands of New York Knicks fans quickly turned into a life-or-death emergency when a man collapsed while trying to get a better view of the team’s championship parade.
The incident unfolded near the World Trade Center, just outside the main parade route, where crowds had gathered to celebrate the Knicks’ first NBA title in more than five decades. Unable to see the procession from street level, one fan climbed onto the roof of a subway elevator structure to watch the festivities from above.
Witnesses initially thought the man was simply enjoying the view, but the situation changed rapidly when he became visibly ill. According to people nearby, he began vomiting before eventually losing consciousness, prompting alarm throughout the crowd.
As onlookers realized the seriousness of the emergency, one parade attendee, Peter Shrieve-Don, decided he couldn’t stand by and watch. Wearing an action camera on his chest, he climbed onto the elevated structure despite the obvious danger and attempted to wake the unconscious man. After realizing he needed medical assistance, he called down for anyone with emergency training.
His plea was answered by Simone Kelly, an off-duty emergency medical technician from New Jersey, who immediately climbed up to help. Another medical professional also joined the rescue effort as concerns grew that the unconscious man could fall from the structure.
Kelly later explained that she had intended to bring NARCAN, the medication commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses, but had left it at home because of security restrictions for the parade. Fortunately, someone in the crowd had a dose and tossed it up to the rescuers.
After the medication was administered, the man regained consciousness within moments, giving rescuers hope that their quick actions had prevented a tragic outcome. Although officials have not confirmed what medical emergency the man experienced, Kelly believes the immediate response made a significant difference.
The rescue attracted widespread attention online after Shrieve-Don shared footage from his body camera. The video showed the dangerous climb as well as the tense moments leading up to the man’s revival.
The footage also captured officers discouraging people from climbing onto the structure. Kelly later noted that law enforcement had legitimate safety concerns, as allowing additional people onto the roof could have created even greater risks. She said officers eventually instructed rescuers to bring the man down safely.
The New York Police Department confirmed that officers immediately requested both Emergency Medical Services and the Emergency Service Unit after receiving reports of the incident. However, the enormous parade crowds made it difficult for specialized emergency vehicles to reach the exact location quickly. By the time EMS arrived, the man had already regained consciousness after receiving NARCAN.
The individual was eventually brought down safely and transported away from the scene for further medical care.
As the rescue unfolded, thousands of spectators watched anxiously, chanting for someone to help. Once the man was safely rescued, the atmosphere shifted from fear to celebration, with many in the crowd applauding the rescuers and chanting “MVP” as Kelly climbed back to street level.
Kelly, who is currently applying to medical school with plans to pursue emergency psychiatry, said she hopes the attention surrounding the rescue encourages greater compassion toward people experiencing medical emergencies or addiction-related crises.
Shrieve-Don also hopes the incident leaves people with an important reminder. While many people know the phrase “If you see something, say something,” he believes there are moments when taking safe, responsible action can make all the difference.
The dramatic rescue has since become one of the most talked-about moments from the Knicks’ historic championship celebration, highlighting how ordinary people can come together during an emergency to help save a stranger’s life.
