Employees at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s are being praised today after helping the police in their effort to stop alleged killer Steve Stephens. Branded “ The Facebook Killer” after he reportedly broadcast a video of himself murdering a stranger, Stephens’ run was hampered after he ducked into an Erie, Pennsylvania, McDonalds to order a 20-piece nugget meal and large fries. The restaurant workers immediately recognized him from photos posted online, but were in no hurry to confront a man who had been deemed armed and dangerous by police. A cashier alerted the store manager, and the employees quickly concocted a plan on the fly to slow his progress.
They gave the man his nuggets, but told him his fries would take a few minutes as a new batch was being prepared. A worker clandestinely called the police, but Stephens, in a hurry, left the restaurant without his fries. Though he would be gone when the police arrived, the delay was crucial in allowing the police enough time to catch him.
The pursuit ended when Stephens took his own life in his car during the pursuit.
While the end may have been a bloody one, the fact that it happened sooner rather than later ensured that no other lives were lost in the pursuit of Stephens.
The man’s victim was Robert Godwin Sr., a 74-year-old mechanic, father of 10 and grandfather of 14, who was taking a walk down the street when he was killed.
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
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Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
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Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.