Additional Coverage:
- Good Samaritan in Spider-Man costume helps man in wheelchair cross busy intersection in viral moment (foxnews.com)
A heartwarming act of kindness caught on camera in Arkansas has gone viral after a man dressed as Spider-Man helped a wheelchair user safely cross a busy intersection.
The incident took place Tuesday in Jonesboro and was captured by traffic cameras. Christopher Hellenthal, 20, had just finished his shift at a local trampoline park when he noticed the man struggling to navigate the street. Hellenthal, who had been wearing a Spider-Man costume earlier in the day for a superhero-themed event with children, didn’t hesitate to jump out of his car and assist.
“That morning we had a superhero day for the toddlers, and they really enjoyed it,” Hellenthal explained. “After work, I was just driving around in the suit when I saw the man in the wheelchair having a tough time.
I quickly got out, told him ‘don’t worry, I got you,’ and helped him across. I made sure he was safe before getting back in my car and leaving.”
The Jonesboro Police Department shared the footage on Facebook, praising Hellenthal as a “true superhero.” A department spokesperson remarked that in seven years on the force, this was a remarkable display of compassion they hadn’t witnessed before.
Hellenthal, who lives in nearby Lake City, has long been a Spider-Man fan and even had the chance to meet the late Stan Lee, one of the character’s creators. His manager at Ultimate Air Trampoline Park confirmed that helping others – even while dressed as a superhero – is very much in character for him.
“It’s just like him to do something like that, and to still be in costume,” said Packy Magel, the manager.
Hellenthal humbly added that he would have helped regardless of what he was wearing, but for many, the image of Spider-Man lending a hand is a fitting symbol of everyday heroism.