NC mail carrier could have saved man’s life after noticing his mail went untouched

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — A western North Carolina mail carrier is being credited with possibly saving a man’s life.

Joshua Smith, who has worked in the Hendersonville area for six years, noticed a man’s mail went untouched for a day, WLOS learned.

Smith said he noticed mail at a home on North Whitted Street in Hendersonville had not been touched, which wasn’t normal for the resident who typically picked up his mail every day.

“For some people, that’s normal,” Smith told WLOS. “But for him, that’s abnormal, because I see him about once a week.”

Smith said he knocked on the door and rang the doorbell and no one answered. He then had a gut feeling to call the Hendersonville Police Department and request a wellness check. Smith didn’t know it at the time, but it may have saved the man’s life.

“We found the elderly male laying on the floor,” Hendersonville Police Sgt. Matt Capps told WLOS. “It appeared as though he’d been lying there for a while and needed medical attention.”

The man was taken to a local hospital for treatment. His name has not been released.

Smith said he has talked to the man’s son, who said his dad is currently in the ICU.

“As a mail carrier, I feel like our relationship is strong in the community,” Smith said. “They rely on me for things. Me being here was the difference between him dying, possibly.”

Smith earned praise from leaders in the community.

“He’s a real positive influence on our community,” Star of Bethel Baptist Church Pastor Charles Rowe said.

Capps said, as the winter months move in, people should check on elderly neighbors, especially if they notice a decrease in activity.

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