May 15, 2026

The Man in the Red Bandana Collaboration

A Collaboration with the Welles Crowther Charitable Trust

TLDR: Welles Crowther, known as the "Man in the Red Bandana", was tragically lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks while selflessly helping others at the World Trade Center. His heroic actions saved many lives. His family learned through witness accounts that Welles’ compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to others were key to his courage in his final moments. ECD Lacrosse has teamed up with the Welles Crowther Charitable Trust to honor his legacy through good works benefitting young people.

About Welles Crowther

Crowther grew up in Nyack, New York where he grew his passion for hockey, lacrosse, and firefighting. He was a captain of his hockey team, a leading goal scorer of his lacrosse team, and a volunteer firefighter from the day he turned 16. He has been described as a natural leader and a team player. After high school, Welles went to Boston College where he was a member of the men's lacrosse team.

Crowther was known for carrying a red bandana, a habit from childhood. On 9/11, he used it to cover his nose and mouth for protection while navigating smoke-filled stairwells.

After the South Tower was hit, Crowther did not escape immediately. Instead, he took charge of a group of trapped people in the sky lobby, organizing a rescue, and carrying victims down to safety. His body was discovered in March 2002 in the South Tower stairwell, alongside FDNY firefighters who were heading back up to help.

Months later, survivors recounted a "man in a red bandana" guiding them to safety, which allowed his mother to recognize him as the hero months later.

For more information about Welles, check out this piece produced by ESPN.

A Collaboration to Honor His Legacy

ECD Lacrosse has teamed up with the Welles Crowther Charitable Trust to honor his legacy through good works benefitting young people. The collection of products includes a Carbon Pro 3.0 men's lacrosse shaft, a Halo women's lacrosse shaft, a custom piece of Hero 4.0 lacrosse mesh, and a custom hat. The Carbon Pro 3.0, Halo, and hat are all exclusively available through Lacrosse Unlimited, while the mesh will be available on through all retail partners and on our site as unstrung mesh and as an option for all of our custom heads.