Adolfo Molina's courageous actions on a Boston highway remind us of the power of compassion, courage, and community

“God really watched over me”: Lawrence man called hero after running across highway help driver

A Hero on the Highway: How One Immigrant’s Bravery Saved Lives

Adolfo Molina’s courageous actions on a Boston highway

When the unexpected strikes, heroes often emerge in the most unlikely moments. On January 23, 2023, the roads were icy, and snow blanketed Boston’s Interstate 93. Adolfo Molina, a 24-year-old immigrant from the Dominican Republic, risked his life to save a stranger in peril.

Molina and a friend were driving to pick up a fare at Logan International Airport. They noticed a blue vehicle behaving erratically. It was scraping against the guardrail at an alarming speed. Inside, a woman was slumped over the wheel, unconscious. Recognizing the immediate danger, Molina knew he had to act.

In a scene straight out of an action movie, Molina pulled over. He got out of his truck. Then he sprinted across four lanes of traffic. He dodged vehicles. He braved the icy roadway. He reached the out-of-control car. It was still traveling between 25 and 30 miles per hour.

“I’m running through traffic,” Molina later recalled. “I try to open the door first, but it didn’t open initially. I ran even faster.”

A friend helped by bringing sticks to break the window. Molina and another passerby pushed the car toward the guardrail. They tried to slow it down. Finally, after over a mile-long chase, the car hit a divider and came to a stop.

Emergency services arrived to help the unconscious woman, who, sadly, suffered a heart attack and passed away later that day. Yet Molina’s bravery prevented further accidents and saved other lives on that icy stretch of highway.

Watch: Massachusetts man runs across traffic to save driver in distress

Molina is a devoted husband and father of two. He lives in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He was initially unaware of the viral attention his heroic act received. The video, captured by a fellow driver, garnered over a million views on TikTok. Soon after, he was honored by the Dominican Consulate in Boston, Lawrence Mayor Brian A. DePeña, and even President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic.

Reflecting on the incident, Molina shared his heartbreak upon learning of the driver’s passing. “I tried everything I could to save her life. I’m really sorry. I hope that God has her in a good place.” His wife, Maytee Pena, shared his sentiments. She encouraged others to follow his example: “Help because you don’t know who that could be in the car. A mom, a dad, a sister, or a sibling. If you see something, do something. You were put there for a reason.”

Molina’s story is a powerful reminder of the bravery and humanity immigrants bring to our communities. He acted without hesitation as a Dominican immigrant. A sense of duty and compassion guided him. This transcended the boundaries of nationality or background.

In a world often divided, his story reminds us that everyday heroes walk among us—and sometimes, they sprint across highways.

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