Flight attendant Shelia Frederick of Alaska Airlines had a gut feeling that something was not right when she saw a young girl and an elderly man board her flight from Seattle to San Francisco. The girl appeared nervous and avoided making eye contact, while the man seemed more well-dressed than her. Shelia couldn’t shake off her concerns and decided to take action, displaying incredible bravery.
While serving snacks on the plane, Shelia desperately tried to establish eye contact with the girl. She confided in a coworker about her suspicions, and together they worked to divert the man’s attention while Shelia attempted to communicate with the girl. Finally, the girl glanced up, and Shelia knew she had to do something to help her. Overwhelmed with emotion, she excused herself and went to the back of the plane, where she wrote a note on a piece of paper and placed it inside one of the locked bathrooms.
Shelia silently mouthed the word “restroom” to her colleague, who had the man’s attention, and gestured as if she was writing. Her heart raced as she waited for the girl to understand her message. Miraculously, the girl found an excuse to visit the restroom, and Shelia kept a close watch on her and the man outside.
Inside the locked bathroom, the girl wrote back on the note, revealing her desperate plea for help. Shelia wasted no time in informing the pilot, who coordinated with ground control to have authorities waiting for the man upon landing.
The brave flight attendant’s quick thinking and courage saved the young girl from a potentially tragic fate. Over the years, Shelia has remained in touch with the girl and has witnessed her journey to overcome the trauma. Today, the young woman is attending college, a testament to her resilience.
Shelia’s story is a reminder for all of us to trust our instincts and to speak up when we suspect something is wrong. Her bravery and compassion make her a true hero and an inspiration to us all.
Let’s share this incredible story to raise awareness and honor the amazing Shelia Frederick.
