Acadiana has been buzzing over the last 24 hours as multiple locals have interacted with a man who has become somewhat of a viral hero figure, capturing the attention and imagination of everyone who comes across his story. David Cruz, a man on a mission powered by his unwavering faith, has been traversing the United States on foot. His latest whereabouts have been traced to South Louisiana, particularly in the Acadiana area, causing a mix of curiosity and admiration among those who encounter him.

David Cruz's journey is not just a physical trek across the country but also a spiritual voyage. Guided solely by his faith in God, he undertakes this mission without accepting food, money, or even a ride. His commitment to this principle is profound. As he has expressed on multiple occasions, accepting something from one person would obligate him to accept from everyone, altering the nature of his journey.

This extraordinary voyage began in Pennsylvania and has seen David walking incredible distances, such as from New York to Miami within six months. Remarkably, he sustains himself by sourcing food from dumpsters behind grocery stores and pizza places, and nature provides his showers and laundry, with rain serving as his cleanser.

David's approach to life and his journey have drawn comparisons to cultural icons like Forrest Gump, yet his story is distinctly his own.

His faith walks have been documented by those who come into contact with him on TikTok since at least 2022. His current trek marks his latest cross-country journey, indicating a long-standing commitment to this unique calling.

Social media has played a crucial role in spreading David's story.

Posts from locals such as Elaine Hayes and Allen Broussard describe encounters with David, highlighting his humility and dedication.

Hayes encouraged others in St. Martinville to welcome him and join him in prayer, while Broussard shared his admiration for David's refusal to accept gifts, emphasizing his humility.

Latoya Batiste's post, shared over 300 times, brought attention to David's presence in Lafayette, Carencro, and surrounding areas. She emphasized his reliance on God to meet his needs and his anticipation of sharing a significant message upon completing his mission.

The reaction to David's journey is diverse and complex. A Reddit user highlighted the varied interpretations of his mission, from those moved to tears by his presence to skeptics questioning his motives. However, the consensus seems to be that David Cruz represents something tangible and hopeful to many people, a symbol of faith and perseverance in a challenging world.

As David Cruz continues his walk through Louisiana, heading towards Mississippi, his story continues to leave heartfelt, lasting impressions on the communities he passes through. Whether seen as a spiritual guide, a symbol of unity, or simply a man on a remarkable journey, we probably haven't seen the last of David on his journey through Louisiana.

Only time will tell what the ultimate end to David's faith walks will look like, but Louisiana is now forever part of his path.

READ ON: See the States Where People Live the Longest

Stacker used data from the 2020 County Health Rankings to rank every state's average life expectancy from lowest to highest. The 2020 County Health Rankings values were calculated using mortality counts from the 2016-2018 National Center for Health Statistics. The U.S. Census 2019 American Community Survey and America's Health Rankings Senior Report 2019 data were also used to provide demographics on the senior population of each state and the state's rank on senior health care, respectively.

Read on to learn the average life expectancy in each state.

Gallery Credit: Hannah Lang

More From Gator 99.5