Pizza delivery driver becomes real-life hero after saving 5 kids from burning house

In an extraordinary act of courage, 25-year-old pizza delivery driver Nick Bostic became a real-life hero when he saved five children from a burning house in Lafayette, Indiana. The harrowing event, which took place on July 11, 2022, was recently revived on Reddit, garnering 113,000 upvotes and reminding the world of his selfless actions.

While driving late at night, Bostic spotted a house engulfed in flames and immediately sprang into action. Knowing there was no time to waste, he broke into the home through the back door, calling out to see if anyone was inside. Initially, there was no response, but he soon discovered four children—an 18-year-old woman, two 13-year-olds, and a 20-month-old baby—who were asleep upstairs, unaware of the growing danger. Bostic led them to safety, but his heroic night didn’t end there.

As they reached the outside, Bostic was informed that a 6-year-old girl was still inside the blazing home. Without hesitation, he re-entered the inferno, determined to save her, despite the flames spreading and the house’s structure deteriorating rapidly. Thick smoke and blistering heat filled the home, making visibility impossible, but Bostic didn’t give up. After a frantic search, he finally heard the girl's cries coming from the living room. He picked her up, carried her back upstairs, and punched out a second-story window with his bare fist, leaping out of the house while shielding her with his body.

The 6-year-old girl suffered a minor leg injury from the broken glass, but she recovered quickly. Bostic wasn’t so lucky—he spent three days in the hospital in critical condition due to smoke inhalation, first- and second-degree burns, and a serious laceration on his right forearm. Thankfully, he recovered, and his story has inspired countless people online.

Bostic’s selflessness during the rescue stunned those who witnessed it, including the police officer who captured the rescue on his bodycam. Even as he lay on the ground gasping for air, Bostic’s first question to the officer was, “Is the baby OK?”

Reddit users were deeply moved by his concern. u/timmy6169 commented, “The ‘is the baby okay’ is what got me. The man just risked his life for multiple other people and all he cares about is their well-being. Truly a hero amongst men.” Another user, u/Irishmananiac, echoed the sentiment, saying, “He wasn’t even out of the woods himself yet, and his only concern was for these kids he probably didn’t even know.”

Others praised Bostic’s bravery and selflessness. u/OldSnuffy declared, “There is a hero... A real one, in the flesh.”

Another Redditor, u/bennitori, reflected on the larger impact Bostic’s actions may have on his life, writing, “If this is what he can do at the drop of a hat, he clearly has lots more good things to offer the world too.”

Since the rescue, Bostic has received widespread recognition. He was awarded the Carnegie Medal, the highest civilian honor in the U.S. for heroism, which comes with a monetary grant. There were also reports of a GoFundMe campaign launched to cover his medical expenses. However, according to some updates, the president of UFC, Dana White, paid those bills, allowing Bostic to use the donated funds to buy a house.

Despite these rewards, Bostic’s life has not been without hardship. Redditors revealed that Bostic had struggled with drug addiction and had even attempted to take his life multiple times in the past. One user, hmoonves, highlighted an interview where Bostic spoke about overcoming his addiction and the importance of his heroic act as a reminder of his self-worth. “What a tremendous loss that would have been,” the user remarked.

Bostic's past struggles and ultimate redemption have made his story even more inspiring. As u/Gilsworth pointed out, “Your comment made me emotional. I couldn’t agree more and hope Nick has a long and happy life.”

Nick Bostic’s story has left many in awe, reminding people that true heroes walk among us, often disguised in the most ordinary roles. “This guy is a f**king hero and we almost lost him because he doubts his own self-worth,” said u/jesst, reflecting on the impact of Bostic's actions.

Redditors also rallied around the idea that people like Bostic deserve long-term recognition and support. u/GD9911 commented, “This man should never have to work another day in his life.” u/PossumMcPossum added on a lighter note, “On a lighter/sillier note, there should be a state law enacted that Mr. Nick Bostic gets free beer in any and every bar he chooses to enter.”

From his past struggles to his heroic present, Nick Bostic’s story reminds us of the power of second chances and the strength of the human spirit. He didn't just save five lives that night—he inspired countless others, proving that in the face of danger, ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

If you’d like to support true heroes like Nick Bostic, consider donating to organizations that assist first responders and individuals in crisis. Your support can help make a difference in someone’s life, just as Nick did for those five children.

This article was originally published on September 26, 2024. It has since been updated.