Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey was out for a leisurely hike in Colorado with a group when, in an instant, they witnessed a jarring and completely unexpected event.
Dan Smoker Jr. was hiking with his grandson Eli when the 72-year-old man fell off a ledge and onto a rock roughly 20 feet below. Nearby, McCaffrey’s party was hiking to the top of Castle Rock when they caught sight of Smoker falling through the air. They quickly ran over to the scene along with another onlooker named Chris.
“It felt like he was in the air for 10 seconds,” McCaffrey said. “I had never seen anything quite like that in my life as far as the trauma and the sound. We were in shock.”
The intervening group, which consisted of McCaffrey, his brothers Max and Dylan, his friends Michael Mann and Brooke Pettet, and an onlooker named Chris, quickly tended to the fallen man and noticed that his breathing had stopped upon impact. They quickly performed lifesaving measures.
Standing by watching the harrowing rescue effort was Eli Smoker, Dan’s 13-year-old grandson, who was calling his father, in California at the time of the incident, to let him know what happened.
After McCaffrey called 911, the paramedics arrived at the scene in a matter of minutes, taking Dan to the hospital where the man was treated for a broken femur and pelvis, internal bleeding, bleeding from the brain, nine fractured ribs, and a fractured neck.
Three days after the incident, on March 6, Dan remained in critical but stable condition — his likelihood of survival is high.
The day after the accident, McCaffrey and his family visited the hospital to check on Smoker’s family. It was at this time that Eli’s dad, who had arrived at the hospital to see to his father, realized the identities of the men who saved his father’s life.
“They introduced themselves and I still hadn’t pieced it together,” hesaid. “I can’t say I’d recognize Christian without his football gear on.”
The heroes posed for a quick photo at the hospital and were offered the gratitude of the entire Smoker family.
As the grandfather faces a long road to recovery, McCaffrey has remained in contact via text with Eli. “We all took it upon ourselves to check up on that kid,” McCaffrey shared. “It could be a lifelong bond between us. He experienced a lot in those five minutes.”
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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.