Shaun Groves
UPDATES
- Jan. 15, 2010 – 9:32 AM CST. CONFIRMED BY COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL CRISIS TEAM: Dan Woolley has been found alive but not yet rescued.
- Jan. 15, 2010 – 10:32 AM CST. TWEET FROM @COMPASSION ACCOUNT: “Our Crisis Management Team has confirmed that Dan Woolley (@webguydan) has been found alive. More to come. #htci #fb”
- Jan. 15, 2010 – 10:50 AM CST. TWEET FROM @abckatesnow ACCOUNT: “Just at hotel Montana. About 2 hours ago they pulled 2 men out alive. One Haitian one American- Dan Woolley of colo springs”
- Jan. 15, 2010 – 10:51 AM CST. TWEET FROM @abckatesnow ACCOUNT: “They have pulled 8 people out alive in last 24 hrs. These 2 guys were in separate elevators. Being in the shaft saved them”
- Jan. 15, 2010 – 10:55 AM CST. TWEET FROM @abckatesnow ACCOUNT: “Dan and the Haitian were speaking English, keeping each other hopeful. When rescuers got to Dan he kept saying “get her done””
- Jan. 15, 2010 – 10:55 AM CST. TWEET FROM @abckatesnow ACCOUNT: “He helped rescuers pull him up with ropes. After they were out the 2 men had an emotional moment where they hugged from cot to cot”
- Jan. 15, 2010 – 11:27 AM CST. CONFIRMED BY COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAM: Dan Woolley has been rescued alive. No word on his condition.
- Jan. 15, 2010 – 3:33 PM CST TWEET FROM @COMPASSION ACCOUNT: “French-speaking video of rescue at Hotel Montana. Dan Woolley @webguydan seen at 1:30 http://bit.ly/7yyYE6“
- Jan. 15, 2010 – COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL CREATES PAGE AT COMPASSION.COM TELLING DAN WOOLLEY STORY
- Jan. 15, 2010 – FRENCH NEWS FOOTAGE RELEASED OF DAN WOOLLEY RESCUE
- Jan. 17, 2010 – 7:15 PM CST – FAMILY OF DAVID HAMES RELEASES STATEMENT
- Jan. 18, 2010 – UNCUT FOOTAGE OF DAN WOOLLEY STORY
- Jan. 19, 2010 – DAN WOOLLEY STORY ON THE TODAY SHOW
ORIGINAL POST
My friend and co-worker Dan Woolley of Compassion International‘s internet marketing team was in Haiti along with videographer David Hames collecting footage of Compassion’s ministry when the earthquake struck Port au Prince on January 12th.
Unconfirmed reports are that Dan and David left the Compassion office in Haiti shortly before the first tremors on their way to the Hotel Montana. There are no confirmed reports as to whether the pair were in the hotel when it collapsed during the quake.
There are unconfirmed reports that Dan’s wife Christy has been in contact with the State Department. There are no reports at this time that Dan or Dave have been found. (See updated information at the top of this post.)
Out of respect for the privacy of both the Hames and Woolley families, and in order to prevent the rapid spread of misinformation on-line, I have not posted about Dan’s and David’s “unaccounted for” status earlier. But, I am now following Christy Woolley’s lead in making their situation public in hopes that someone out there, in Haiti or on their way there, will find Dan and David for us.
Please pray.
I do not know anything about David’s family. I do know, however, that Dan and Christy have two boys who know something’s wrong with Dad and must miss him very much. Please pray for the safe return of these two men to their families. And if you are part of rescue efforts in Haiti, or will be, please find our friends.
I’ll update this post as confirmed reports come in.
Brad Ruggles says:
I had just talked to Dan last Thursday before he left for Haiti. My heart and prayers go out for his and Dave’s family. We are continuing to pray for them and all of the other families who are still anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
rhonda says:
Praying for their safe return.
Crystal Renaud says:
It is continuing to amaze me, the sheer number of people missing in Haiti, that are connected to loved ones in the US. I am praying for both these men to be found safe and for the continued to search efforts of all who are still unaccounted for.
Steve Hayman says:
Thanks for posting this, we continue to pray here at Compassion the they are found safely and so many others that are unaccounted for.
NancyTyler says:
Praying without ceasing for miracle rescues and praying and hurting deeply for all of the loved ones and friends who are waiting for word.
Steve Hayman says:
Just heard that Dan was pulled out ALIVE from the hotel rubble. Not heard about David yet.
Shaun Groves says:
Is that confirmed information from Compassion’s crisis management team? If not, please do not spread.
Lindsay @ Not2Us says:
I am praying for these men, that, if they are trapped and unable to call for help, their hearts will be calm and sure. That the peace of God will transcend their earthly emotions and give them hope during these hopeless hours.
I am praying for their families, that the same transcending peace of God will be with them as they wait for news. I’m praying that the comfort of God will surround them during this terrifying time.
I am praying for the rescue crews and the Compassion staff…for literal guidance to these men. I’m praying for wisdom in their rescue and relief efforts. I am praying for supernatural strength as they battle against unfathomable odds.
I am praying with fervor.
Amy says:
Shaun, just read the news that Dan has been pulled out of the rubble alive. Thank God.
Praying for David, still!
Shaun Groves says:
If that “news” did come from an official Compassion source such as their twitter, facebook or blog accounts, it is not trustworthy. Please do not spread if so.
Amy says:
I read it on Wess Stafford’s Twitter http://twitter.com/wess_stafford
Shaun Groves says:
Great source, obviously, but the report is not confirmed. Compassion is not going public with any news about Dan or David until we are CERTAIN such news is true.
False hope is destructive.
Amy says:
Just saw your comment about it being unconfirmed. I will keep praying for him and his family.
Dana says:
We just learned that 3 of our coworkers that were staying at the Hotel Montana were rescued last night from the rubble. There is still hope of finding more survivors.
Shelley says:
Praying. I can’t imagine all the people frantically looking for their loved ones, and how frustrating it must be to try to do that from another country.
Shaun Groves says:
Spoke with Compassion (Dan’s boss and mine) just now. There is no confirmed report of Dan being rescued alive at this time.
Zach says:
This site confirms that Dan is alive:
http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/81699327.html
Shaun Groves says:
A news report is not confirmation.
CONFIRMED BY COMPASSION CRISIS TEAM:
Dan Woolley has been FOUND alive but not yet rescued.
Thank you for praying. Keep it up!
Zach says:
Still praying for Dan and for David
Shaun Groves says:
Thank you, Zach.
C Horne says:
Just got this via a FOTF staffer sent 8:04am 1/15:
JUST GOT OFF OF THE PHONE WITH CHRISTY AND IT IS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT THAT DAN WOOLEY IS ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He is still trapped, in the elevator shaft, and they have to bring in a crane to reach him (which they are doing right now). They are in the process of a basement excavation because they believe that there are over 70 people still trapped in the basement restaurant.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR DAN’S TRAVEL COMPANION DAVID HAMES AND THE OTHER PEOPLE STILL IN THE HOTEL. WE ARE EXPECTING ANOTHER MIRACLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT’S ALL I CAN TYPE!!!!!! I AM IN AWE OF YOU GOD!!!!!!!!!!
Steve Hayman says:
Apologize my source too was Wess FB&Twitter so you are correct the crisis team has not come out with official word.
Keep praying for them and the crews working on the rescue.
Rebecca says:
praying
Shaun Groves says:
Latest Tweet from @Compassion:
Our Crisis Management Team has confirmed that Dan Woolley (@webguydan) has been found alive. More to come. #htci #fb
Stephanie H says:
I’m joining everyone in prayer for these men and their families!
Sarah says:
Praying!
Shaun Groves says:
UNCONFIRMED REPORTS of Dan Woolley’s rescue coming from ABC News reporter @abckatesnow
Shaun Groves says:
CONFIRMED BY COMPASSION CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAM AND FAMILY: Dan Woolley has been rescued alive in Haiti!
No word yet on his condition except that he is talking and on his way to a center of operations in Port au Prince.
Jenn says:
Praise God! Thank you for all the updates Shaun. We’ll keep praying.
Shaun Groves says:
Still no word on David Hames.
David is not Compassion staff, but was working as a contractor for Compassion shooting video of our Child Survival Program in Haiti for a web site Dan was building to raise awareness of the program.
I have no information about David’s family or whereabouts and no photo. Any confirmed information is appreciated.
Kathy Dias says:
I just saw this on facebook….not sure of the truth of any of this:
** This was one of the posts about Dan. -Word has it that Dan Woolley of Colorado Springs, CO, was found alive and rescued from an elevator shaft today, Friday, January 15, 2010. He was encouraging another trapped man (a Haitian) as they awaited rescuers. Praise be to God.
Shaun Groves says:
True, Kathy.
It has been confirmed that Dan was rescued alive. ABC News tweeted that he was trapped with another man (a Haitian) and that the two men were encouraging one another in English and embraced after being rescued.
Amber Brown says:
Praise God that Dan has been found and is receiving medical attention!!!!
Shaun Groves says:
“Dan Woolley” is 75th most Googled term of the past hour. The whole world has been following Dan’s story and God’s miraculous rescue.
Jana Lundh says:
Shaun, I’ve gone to church with the Hameses for over a decade. He’s married and has two small sons. They are a wonderful couple. David is a blessing to all who know him. Still hoping for word of him, alive!
Melanie Dobson says:
Thank you, Shaun. Please continue to pray for David. We are hopeful.
liz says:
video of rescue:
http://videos.tf1.fr/jt-we/haiti-les-miracules-de-l-hotel-montana-5642671.html
Amy says:
Thanks for adding the picture of David. Praying for his safe return.
Jeff says:
I hope this is your man…
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/photography/la-fg-haiti-hires-html,0,7123168.htmlstory
Lora says:
Praying.
rhonda says:
Praying for David and his family. Praising God for Dan.
Allan says:
I heard Dan was found in an elevator shaft. He is okay.
Wes Cavalier says:
Ive known and worked with david for years, a talented
and kind guy, and a great husband and father. We hope and pray he is under gods wing and is going to be found soon !. Our love and prayers go out to Rene’
and the kids !.
linwal says:
Hello,
Just wondering where you grew up, Wes. I may know you?
Wes Cavalier says:
Hi,
Grew up in northfield , nj , and you ?.
linwal says:
Wes,
Yes, I certainly do know you. I grew up in Linwood. My name is Linda Walsh, but you would remember me as Linda Schall. Just wondering how you are doing.
Linda
Wes says:
Hi Linda,
I have worked with david hames over the decades
in the film & video production industry, i just pray
he will be found alive, and very soon !. As i said in
my first post. You will never know a greater person.
If you wish, you may reach me at [email protected].
Thanks for your post !
Wes
linwal says:
Hi Wes,
Did you get my email from earlier this week? If not I will resend. Linda
sprittibee says:
Praying for both men and their families. Wrote about it at my site, too – hope people will donate to the relief fund at Compassion to help them and others:
http://sbees.blogspot.com/2010/01/when-someone-you-know-is-in-haiti.html
Mike Jentes says:
Shaun,
Just wanted you and your readers to know that Dan’s mom Pat was interviewed on the CBS 2 News in LA. Here’s the link:
http://cbs2.com/video/[email protected]
Pat works at the Elementary School that is part of our church. We overwhelmed with the Lord’s protection and grace…and we pray for those who didn’t have the same ending to the story.
Press on,
Mike Jentes
Beth Brokaw says:
Shaun: Thank you so much for updating us about Dan and Christy. I know them from California and love them very much. If you have any way to convey this to them, please send them my love and let them know I am here for support in any way possible. I just read of this story in the LA Times–I am praising God for his rescue and their whole family being reunited! I will keep praying for them as God unfolds this story in their lives and in His kingdom. Beth Brokaw
kiwanuka francis says:
Glory to God for having saved Dan.
As is the course of this life others were left to fate.
Heather says:
All our prayers and thoughts go out to finding David Hames alive and well. I pray for his family the people he has touched in Haiti and all of his friends at (CI). I am so grateful God has blessed Dan & his family !~Please continue to pray for David and the others on mission trips like his <3
Susie says:
Praying for David and other miraculous recoveries today!
Cori Williams says:
Hey Shaun~
Here’s a couple updates on David Hames who’s still trapped (as of Wed night). As of last night: Dan had confirmed David had his backpack on him which had Power Bars & water. They have been hearing tapping sounds all day yesterday from the very location that Dan said David would have dove to. We haven’t heard anything from Compassion team yet today (Th) but they are there on scene and I will let you know when I do.
(I’m a friend of David’s wife from church).
Blessings & thank you for posting all this.
> Cori
2 news stories from yesterday:
http://www.coloradoconnection.com/news/video.aspx?id=404687
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2010/January/Christian-Ministry-Prays-for-Missing-Staff-Worker-/