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I Had to STOP MOWING and Call The COPS After What I SAW...

Derek's Community Rescue

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I went into this project with one goal: to teach my daughter the ropes on a manageable yard rescue. On paper, it looked like the perfect opportunity, but the reality of this property was far more complicated than an overgrown lawn.

The neighbors told us no one had been seen at the house for three years, yet as we began the transformation, things didn't add up. Between a massive dust storm hitting mid-project and a series of events that forced me to stop the cameras and document exactly what was happening, this simple afternoon turned into a two-day situation I’ll never forget.

Sometimes these community rescues are about more than just mowing grass; they're about looking out for the neighborhood when something just doesn't feel right.
Watch the full journey to see how we managed the storm, the mystery, and the final reveal of a yard that had been hidden for far too long.

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My videos will always be free to enjoy, but for those who have asked how they can help us grow the mission, we have set an initial goal of $1,000 this month to help us professionalize our setup for the 2026 Spring Season.

If we are fortunate enough to exceed that goal, all additional funds will go toward our long-term equipment and maintenance fund. Here is what your support helps us achieve:

• The Rescue Operations Hub: We are moving our gear into a dedicated, secure storage facility to keep the equipment safe and reclaim garage space for our daily vehicle.

• The 2026 Spring Fund: This pre-funds our fuel and expensive dump fees so we can continue providing 100% free rescues for anyone in need in our community.

• Mission Expansion: Any funds raised above our goal will go directly toward a dump trailer and additional tools to help us work faster and reach more families.

If you’d like to support the journey:
👉 Become a Member: Join the "Rescue Crew" for exclusive perks and badges: @derekscommunityrescue

👉 One-Time Gift: Help us get the new unit set up via Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DereksLa...

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Equipment List:
(All items tagged in the video shopping links)

Mower: Toro Grandstand 36 Inch

String Trimmer: Echo 225

Trimmer Head: Echo Speed Feed 400

Chainsaw: Echo 56 Volt DCS5000

Gloves: Milwaukee Puncture Resistant Gloves

2 Stroke Oil: Echo Red Armor

Leaf Blower: Echo PB 9010

Contact Me:
Email: derekslawnrescue@gmail.com

20 Comments

@DereksCommunityRescue Creator 1 month ago Pinned

I have been desperate for answers on this property, and I now have them. I completed the video where we tell the story of this entire neighborhood so yall should go check it out!

https://youtu.be/mIwM7kofQn4

@kimjunkert5002 7 months ago

My aunt lived alone and i had talked to her on her birthday. Her neighbors didnt see her for like a week and called for a welfare check. The police came and found her in her chair. She had passed away just a few days after we had talked. If noone had called for a welfare check, she could have been there for God knows how long. So thank you for caring enough to call the police and have them come out.

@SaraCowan-s9h 7 months ago

The neighbor called the city about the house and the flies and no one bothered to come check it out ? Shame on the city council for not doing their job ! Good job teaching your daughter

@terryg1222 7 months ago (edited)

I'm 70 yrs old, and I remember when I was asked by my mom to help my dad with his weekend lawn care service. I was about your daughter's age. I loved it, I still mowed my yard and I still have fun mowing. Thank you, dad, for inspiring your daughter.

@doodlebug2701 5 months ago

I'm very surprised that the police wouldn't look closer into whether anyone was inside. In Britain if you rang the police to say you were concerned, they would gain entry, not just leave it

@frankedgar6694 6 months ago

I remember reading about a man who had passed 2-3 years before anyone checked on him. His bills were on auto-pay. When his bank account finally emptied, the lights were cut off. That prompted neighbors to start checking.

@sdographics 7 months ago

I'm surprised that the police didn't want to look any further into this. Criminals use "mule addresses" (abandoned locations) to deliver illegal items to, and then use "parcel mules" to pick them up from these locations.

@theresab4002 6 months ago

If that truck had any legitimate business with the property or owners,they would’ve questioned your presence on the property.

@edithrichardson43 7 months ago

So sad that we become so isolated from each other that nobody checks on their neighbour's who haven't been seen for some time. 😢

@americafirstRNSD 6 months ago

What a great father and humane you are. RIP to the person who had "Noone to go check on them" that is horrific. Prayers

@chascona9393 6 months ago

12:30 sounds like someone is using that house as a drop location. It could be scams, or someone paranoid that doesn't want to order something to their real address. I actually am starting to suspect that a house nearby where I live is like this. They often have amazon packages delivered to their porch, but always someone on a car comes to pick them up. Never seen lights or people in the house.

@sharonwilson8208 7 months ago

I noticed while you were cleaning the side area with the cactus, the window was open. A little odd for nobody living there. Kevin, Lawn Care Juggernaut, ran into a situation where someone took their life. Everytime he got close to a certain area, there was a smell. He called police for a welfare check. Sure enough, the AC was on and windows open. He kept mowing while police did their job. He just gave them a copy of his video. He thought about not posting the video, then decided to let people know, that wasn't the answer, posted phone numbers and nearly quit his mowing. It was one of his first yards! He was so bummed by the whole thing. Now he does some of the most difficult yards and sidewalks. I'm glad you called. Thank you for caring. Not everyone wants involved. ❤

@rosbar4752 7 months ago

WOW, that ground hasn't seen a drop of rain in a thousand years.

@mzchocolatevegan 7 months ago (edited)

As someone that does property preservation for a living, I trash out a lot of homes, etc. The police should have done a wellness check because there have been bodies found in these homes.

@jfischer4943 5 months ago

Makes me even more grateful for my neighbors. My neighbors call if my porch light is on all night to make sure I'm ok.

@eriknielsen138 3 months ago

That’s a good father teaching her what hard work is all about

@lisanronhubbard7341 7 months ago

Records say a 57 year old woman owns this property. Your daughter did a great job!

@Wendy-t1j9z 7 months ago

Thanks for caring enough to call the cops. I grew up in a time when family lived close, neighbors kept an eye on each other, we all knew each other for miles around, and SOMEBODY would know if something was wrong.