Viewers help repay woman robbed while helping crash victims
MARYSVILLE, Wash. -- Peggy Ray had one thought when she pulled over on Interstate 5 in Everett after witnessing a crash: rush in to help.
It was a similar feeling KOMO viewers had when they heard what happened to Ray when she returned to her car to find $900 had been stolen: rush in to help.
Ray left her own car doors unlocked in that adrenaline-fueled moment as she saw the crash up ahead, pulled over and raced toward the victims who were trapped in their partially submerged vehicle.
"He had blood just coming down his face. He cracked his head pretty hard," she said.
Ray crawled in the wrecked car through a broken window - and kept the man and his passenger stabilized until firefighters got there to take over. But when she returned to her car, she got a cruel shock. Somebody had stolen $900 from her purse on the front seat while she was helping the crash victims.
"It hurts right here, but I'm not going to be angry about it," she said. "I'm not going to hold a grudge."
The cash in that envelope was a small fortune on the salary of a barista who has six teenage kids to support. But she refused to let Saturday's disheartening experience dampen her passion to help others.
"I was thinking it was going to catch fire. I was thinking we have to get those people out," she said. "I would do it again tomorrow, in a year. I would do it again."
Ray's brave actions, and her financial loss, evoked a strong reaction from our viewers.
The first viewer who called the Problem Solvers after our story aired wanted to give Ray the $900 cash.
But it didn't stop there. We found many others who wanted to help too. We were able to give her another check for nearly $3,800.
"Wow, that is amazing," Ray said. "People are amazing."
Ray and her husband say they'll pay their rent, buy groceries and a few Christmas presents for the family, and pass along some of the donations to others in need.
"I told you that's why you don't stop helping people. You don't stop helping. You don't stop giving," Ray said. "You just do what you can, 100 percent of the time... and look what happens."
It was a similar feeling KOMO viewers had when they heard what happened to Ray when she returned to her car to find $900 had been stolen: rush in to help.
Ray left her own car doors unlocked in that adrenaline-fueled moment as she saw the crash up ahead, pulled over and raced toward the victims who were trapped in their partially submerged vehicle.
"He had blood just coming down his face. He cracked his head pretty hard," she said.
Ray crawled in the wrecked car through a broken window - and kept the man and his passenger stabilized until firefighters got there to take over. But when she returned to her car, she got a cruel shock. Somebody had stolen $900 from her purse on the front seat while she was helping the crash victims.
"It hurts right here, but I'm not going to be angry about it," she said. "I'm not going to hold a grudge."
The cash in that envelope was a small fortune on the salary of a barista who has six teenage kids to support. But she refused to let Saturday's disheartening experience dampen her passion to help others.
"I was thinking it was going to catch fire. I was thinking we have to get those people out," she said. "I would do it again tomorrow, in a year. I would do it again."
Ray's brave actions, and her financial loss, evoked a strong reaction from our viewers.
The first viewer who called the Problem Solvers after our story aired wanted to give Ray the $900 cash.
But it didn't stop there. We found many others who wanted to help too. We were able to give her another check for nearly $3,800.
"Wow, that is amazing," Ray said. "People are amazing."
Ray and her husband say they'll pay their rent, buy groceries and a few Christmas presents for the family, and pass along some of the donations to others in need.
"I told you that's why you don't stop helping people. You don't stop helping. You don't stop giving," Ray said. "You just do what you can, 100 percent of the time... and look what happens."
One day, the front desk person was late for work. When she came in, she was chastised for being late. She apologized, got behind her desk and started work. Later that day, someone heard a news report of a couple who's car went off the side of the road. The car was mangled. A good samiritan stopped and stabilized them until help arrived. The news report was pointed out the couple was lucky the person that stopped was studying to become a medic. The news didn't report the persons name, but a news broadcast showed it was our front desk person. Her manager publicly apologized for chastising her, but everyone asked why she didn't say anything. Her reply, it was the right thing to do, she would do it again, and didn't think her manager wanted to hear she would stop whenever she saw an accident. My personal hero forever. I hope some day I can be as brave as she. I think we should all learn something from this. Keep in mind, that person in that car that needs help could be you.
I have read all of the posts so far. I am not jealous, pessimistic, a nay-sayer, or a cold hearted snake. However, I would like to know the full story before any of us can praise anyone. Especially in the world we live in where people screw the system constantly. I am not saying that is what happened here. Yet, I see mostly posts praising this woman, etc. Comments about paying rent in cash, and why, etc. My questions are, what is the TRUTH. I have seen the broadcasts since this first happened. I have also read different articles online. The first couple of days when this happened, the news and media made it out to be this was a single mother struggling to raise 6 kids and living paycheck to paycheck. It wasn't until yesterday that it was reported she was married. Has their situation been looked at? If they are truly struggling, then yes, donations in the amount of $900 are appropriate, and donate some of what you received over that amount. However, I find it curious that thew news made her out to be a single struggling Mom for two days and then when the donations started rolling in, then all of the sudden they reported she is married. I've heard on the news and read different accounts. One that she is a nursing student trying to get herself through school. Two that she is a former nursing student. Three, that she wants to go to nursing school. Another that she is a "soccer Mom". Yet another that she is a barista.....yet another that she is a manager at a Starbucks. What is the truth? I think donations and care for people that have things happen is the way it should be, however, things have been reported differently about this womans status and financial situation, etc. Before we GIVE someone thousands of dollars, I think we should know. I personally have relatives that work for Starbucks. Managers make around $4,000/month plus benefits. My nephew who is two spots below manager makes more than this woman is reported making (around $900 every two weeks). Let's think about this for a second. If the news reports as they did in the beginning...portraying this woman as a single struggling Mother trying to get through nursing school raising 6 kids living paycheck to paycheck on like $2,000/month, people are outraged and sad and start donating money. Yet, if this is correct what I have read...and the news first reported this woman was married and she herself makes around $4,000/month and her husband also works and makes at least that, would everyone be so quick to donate thousands of dollars? I know tsome great eachers that have been teaching for 5 years that make less than a starbucks manager, that REALLY need money. I don't think it's wrong for me to want to know the correct information about someone before I start praising them and saying what they do and don't deserve, etc. Not to mention the media reporting this in the way that did for a couple days like she is on her own, etc. And what is the truth of this womans situation, really? Why are the articles online not all containing the same information, etc. I think as people, we shouldn't just believe everything we hear or read and say oh that person is good and that person deserves this, based on what channel 4 said, etc.
@woodfam I agee with you up until the point it sounds like she is lying. I am more inclined to believe the reporting from the news sources are wrong than the underlying fact she did try and save someone's life and most likely had her money stolen. I don't think she started out thinking, hey, I will go save someones life and then claim some money was stolen. It could happen, but it sounds like you are saying she was decieving us. Or should I say, you are strongly implying. At some point, no matter how much fact checking we do, we could still be wrong. I think if you have concerns about donating money under false pretenses, consider donating money in a form you know has to be used wisely. Like gift certificates or pre-paid services. Sure, those could be abused to, but at least you tried.
I have a bank account and pay my rent in cashier's check but pays my other bills in cash so I do carry around more then $1000 in cash to pay my bills. NO UNUSUAL AT ALL FOR PEOPLE TO PAY THEIR BILLS IN CASH.
Â
People stop being so jealous. She deserve it. Maybe if you're kind hearted and able to give a helping hands every once in a while good thing might happen to you. Believe in god or not KARMA does exist and for her is a good karma.
Â
Thank you Mrs. Ray for your non-selfish action. Use the money as you wish and I'm glad to hear that you will pass onto those who are in need.
3800 on a 900 issue!! She made out like a bandit!
I agree with MIKE LMCO.. you just cant plan something like that.. Â CMON.. she was helping out another in need... mr logic sounds like a scammer...
Her stopping and helping potentially saving others lives was great and I hope what happened to her does not detour others from doing the same thing. Once a person did that for me and I will be eternally grateful to him. I only wish someone had caught that sleazebag and we had a chance to give them a nice coat of tar and feathers before a rail ride out of town. I would be only too happy to supply the tar.I wonder if public caning could be brought back? I know there are a lot of you out there would rather give them a pat on the hand and tell them that they shouldn't do something like that, but a public display of our displeasure might be a bit more of a deterrent from doing it again. Â Â
not gonna lie I think there is something odd about how she stopped to help, and then $900 went missing from the car, i think it is a scam
 @Mr. Logic That's how a scammer thinks -- always looking for opportunities to scam. Quit projecting your scumbaggery onto decent people.
@Mr. Logic So she drove up and down the highwasy until she saw a wreck and then put her scam plan in motion is that what you are alluding too? You must have a very sad life if this is how you think.
Not quite to that extent but we've seen things like that in the past.  It could be a total lie, no money was ever taken.  She could have exaggerated the amount and the story for sympathy, it's not out of the realm of possibilities.
 @mikelmco But we've seen people who have made up stories to get the public's sympathy, not so sure about little green men, stop being ridiculous.
@oledawg "it's not out of the realm of possibilities" then it is also possible little green men came and took money...
Makes me feel like there is still hope for humanity when I see things like this. Â
So there, to all the doubters! Never forget there are more good people that bad/evil people in the world. May those that doubted think twice about it, you may be a person in need some day. Â Great ending!
Why are people so concerned about this girl paying her rent in cash? I get a Cashiers Check for my $2900 rent every month specifically because my husband will forget that I have issued the check and think he has that much more in the bank account before a personal check clears, and thus overdraw.  I suppose I could take in cash, but the management company would probably look at me cross-eyed. My husband pays his monthly house/shop rent of $6000 in cash because his landlord's accounts are currently frozen due to his wife's recent death, so cash is the easiest option. Other people have listed many other valid reasons. Also, who cares what she does with the extra $2900? From the sounds of it, she probably really needs it, and if one read the story through anyway, she did have plans to pass it along. The people who contributed to that $3800 did it specifically for her, with no thought or worry about whether others had already contributed enough for the $900 rent, and I doubt any one of them would take it back after realizing that the rent was already covered.Â
 @Star96 because some people are not afraid to help people and then something bad happens to them  it take true and good people to help others in need instead of complaining about it and their problems
Life is an echo. God bless.
Yeah that's right Peggy! Don't forget there are some good Washingtonians! Good job you guys! :)
Don't stop believing in the good of people, just like yourself!Â
Awesome job, Komo Viewers/Readers !
Bless her heart! What a selfless act. If anything happens to me or my 3 grown children I sure hope an angel like her is there to save our lives. And I too pay cash. I am a barista/stop and shop employee and don't make enough to have a bank acct. And I don't want to encourage a cashless society. Hope she and her family have a merry Christmas!
And proof that the good people outnumber the bad ones!! YaY!!
Tears are welling up....These stories always get me.
Naysayers, there are enough bad stories in the news, Â Just enjoy a good story when you hear one and try to smile. Do something nice for someone tomorrow.
Awesome lady and awesome people to help her in return! Â And a rant at the crook who stole from her. Â Karma.
Here's a tip of an old cavalryman's Stetson to all you KOMO viewers out there who chose to help Ms. Rae.
Â
But hats off to Ms. Rae in the first place for being willing and able to help save someone's life. Thank you, ma'am.
Let me correct a typo here...
Â
The lady's name is Ms. Ray, not Rae as I had said. Sorry bout that.
For those questioning that someone would pay their rent in cash. I manage 53 properties and well over half of the people pay in cash. Just because you don't use cash...don't question a persons motives who does. They cash their check and pay their bills.
Being Marysville, I'm quite shocked that when she returned to her car it wasn't stripped and sitting on blocks.
There are so many folks out there doing nice things and getting screwed, how do they get air time and a $3800 check? While I am glad she received a $900 gift, is it completely moral to keep the other $3800, rather than donate to other needy folks?
@Alert Eagle she did say she will pass some onto other who are in need
@Alert Eagle You are not so alert....read the story again. And maybe change you name to maybe Not-so-alert......
@Alert Eagle If you read the second to the last paragraph she says they are going to give some of the donations to others who need help. This woman doesn't have a selfish bone in her body and for you to question her morality is beyond me.
$2900 extra. Do the math before you psot.
@Star96 Read the second paragraph up from the bottom of the article, it says they plan to give some of the money to others who need it. Beyond that someone gave her the $900.00 in cash right after the fact. That leaves almost $3800.00 over, you do the math. Or better yet READ the entire article. Besides it's not your money so what are you all in an uproar about. If people want to help someone it doesn't take anything away from you.
 @Alert Eagle I donated, not much because I dont have much but I am pleased she received so much more than just rent because what she did deserved appreciation from her community. I think that kind of giving deserves giving in return. I dont care if she blows it all on whatever she wants.....but actually seeing that she has that many teenagers, doubtful LOL. But I do hope she treats herself to some little luxury.
 @Alert Eagle She is going too. She is also pay rent, buy food and buy some Christmas presents for her children and give some money to people who need it too. Read the article.
 @Alert Eagle And she IS passing some of it along. Read the article.
 @Alert Eagle She is needy and she deserved it.Â
 @Alert Eagle And if you saw the entire video she says that she intends to pass the remainder to others.
See folks? There ARE good people left out there. Pay it forward.
I bank, and I pay my rent in cash. Whats so odd about that? My landlord likes cash. He gets all giddy when he sees it. Non issue. The issue is she got ripped off. You are skeptical that she telling the truth?
I'm so glad so many stepped up. This warms my heart.Â
Sorry, can help but be a little skeptical, who pays their rent in cash?
 @Joe I pay in cash. And my landlord would prefer it that way. Money is money. She deserves this for the good deed she's done. Pay it forward
 @Joe people that get tips in cash.Â
 @Joe I do....... all 1,200 of it. Most landlords prefer it over a check that might bounce or a stolen or "misplaced" money order
 @Joe i have always paid my rent in cash
 @Joe i also have a bank account.. and i do it because i dont have to wait for my landlord to deposit the check its quite common
@ Joe   She's a barista (says so in the article) She probably works for minimum wage & tips. I'm sure she was saving her tips in order to pay her rent. Not at all unusual in the food service industry.
 @Joe Not that it really matters, but we used to pay cash.......a requirement of our lease. Not a hovel either.......gated community on the golf course........go figure. Really it doesnt matter why she had cash....some creep stole money from her while she was engaged in helping someone else.
 @Joe You get it in cash from the bank, then go to Fred Meyer and get a money loan (banks generally charge 1-3$ for this, Fred Meyer charges 50c-1$)
Â
@Joe Someone who can't afford to use banks.Â