The "Pittsburgh Good Samaritan"; Paul Werder Rehabilitation

Hello,

My name is Melissa Byrne, and I am the eldest daughter of Paul Werder. On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, Paul was on his way back to his investment property in Brighton Heights, Pittsburgh when he noticed an individual laying face-down in the bushes near a Senior Care Home who seemed to be injured or in need of assistance. He proceeded to park his vehicle and approached the seemingly incapacitated man to ask if he was okay and if he could assist him or retrieve help. As he looked at this man's face, he quickly realized he was severely under the influence of drugs.

In a matter of seconds, a simple and kind-hearted gesture turned violent, as the man pulled out a concealed 9mm handgun from underneath him and began to fire 13 rounds, with the intent to kill. Paul was shot and perforated 8 times and grazed by multiple other bullets. The offender had to be tased in order for him to back down. Paul was rushed by ambulance to the ICU and received 5 life-saving blood transfusions.

While Paul remains in good spirits and is currently undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation, it is unknown what his future holds. As of now, he will be unable to walk unassisted for approximately 6-12 months and will potentially need 2 surgeries to repair damage to his left foot and calf bone. We remain hopeful, however, there are physical and mental injuries/challenges that he may suffer from for the remainder of his life.

Paul is now retired, but has many interests and hobbies that will be hindered due to his injuries. He was a professional photographer for many years. He is an artist,an avid bicyclist, swimmer, handyman, and more.

If you are fortunate enough to know Paul, you would know that he is what I like to call "the Labrador of Humans." He lives his life in service to others, be it family, friends, or strangers.

The fact that Paul is alive is a true miracle. Our family is so fortunate to have so many families and friends offering their love and support. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has had their hand in his care; Police/Detectives, First Responders, EMT/EMS, Doctors, Nurses, Aides, Technicians, and more.

I want to share a testimony, provided by Nicholas Sotereanos, MD, whom we are indebted to for his care, expertise, and altogether catalyst for Paul's care and resources for our family in the hospital. He is not only an amazing surgeon, but coincidentally our lovely neighbor and friend.

"Paul Werder is a 73-year-old humanitarian born and raised in Penn Hills; graduating from Penn Hills High School. Paul matriculated at Penn State University main campus, earning a bachelor's degree in fine arts in 1972. He also took many business courses at the University of Pittsburgh. Paul worked in the city at Mellon Bank for 28 years and PNC Bank for an additional 14 years as a Project Manager. He is currently retired and enjoys remodeling homes, swimming, bicycling, and carpentry projects. He has been married to his wife, Yasmin, for 36 years and has 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren.

On 8/7/2024, Paul was working on his antique restoration home in the city of Pittsburgh, when he encountered an individual who was prone, lying perpendicular to the sidewalk. In an extraordinary act of kindness and grace he approached the individual and asked him if he could help, attempting to help him up. Unbeknownst to him, this homeless, mentally ill, individual had a 9mm weapon and shot him point blank 8 times.

He is currently admitted to Allegheny General Hospital, with multiple injuries, and as healthcare professionals we must ensure the most exemplary care and compassion for a good Samaritan. He should receive our very best of everything.

I have known Paul personally for 30 years and he exemplifies all the best qualities of grace, compassion, and kindness. He is the epitome of the human spirit."

Nicholas Sotereanos, MD

Executive Vice Chairman of Orthopedics

Allegheny General Hospital

Pittsburgh Brighton Heights Shooting

8/7/24Good Samaritan Shot in Pittsburgh Brighton Heights