Fall River Mystery Man Tells Us Why He Spread Happiness to Strangers

As the SouthCoast heads into a weekend of remembrance, one man in Fall River made it his mission to bring smiles to the faces of random people.

Joey Winterhalter said he walked into Mission Cold Brew Co in Fall River this morning and ordered his coffee like he normally does. That's when the woman behind the counter told him that not only was his order already paid for, but "someone had covered the store's tab for the entire day."

We wondered if this random act of kindness might have had something to do with trying to spread some cheer ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. The staff at Mission Cold Brew Co didn't think so. "This person has actually done this multiple times already," said Sarah, who was working at Mission Cold Brew Co. this afternoon.

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How Did Customers React?

"People were excited and amazed and it put tons of smiles on people's faces today, which was the coolest thing," Sarah said. "Some were shocked."

Just Who Was the Mystery Man?

"He definitely won't let me say his name," laughed Sarah. Our inside source is pretty sure, however, that the generous coffee drinker lives in Fall River. We asked if he was a business owner, but he is not. "He's very active in community events/social media," said our spy.

A Message From the Mystery Man

We were able to get in touch with the Mystery Man, and we're going to keep him anonymous as well because that's how he wants it.

"Nothing any of us do should be done for recognition. There is so much pain and struggle out there. If we can make a small difference in someone's life, even for a few minutes – no matter what the cost – it is worth it," the Mystery Man told us.

It made a difference in Winterhalter's life. Today happens to be National Suicide Prevention Day, and Joey had lost his brother to suicide three years ago. "Is it a coincidence?" asked Winterhalter. "Probably. But I'm telling myself my angel wanted to treat me to a coffee today."

And that he did.