A man from Washington is being called a hero after he ran into a burning house to save his eight-year-old niece.
According to reports, 20-year-old Derrick Byrd suffered second and third-degree burns on his face, back, and arms after rushing into the house when he realized his niece was trapped inside.
Speaking to KOMO-TV, Byrd said: “Even though I got burnt, I didn’t really care. I’d rather get burnt than her. She’s young and still has so much ahead of her. She’s a good kid.”
The fire broke out in a home in Aberdeen, Washington, while Derrick Byrd and six other family members were inside, including his sister Kayla and her three children.
When the fire spread, Byrd helped his nephews, Junior and Royce, jump out of a second-story window to safety. However, his eight-year-old niece Mercedes was too scared to jump after watching her mother, Kayla, fall from the roof.
Without hesitating, Byrd ran back into the burning house to save Mercedes. He quickly felt the flames burning him.
“I could feel it burning me,” he said.
Byrd wrapped his shirt around Mercedes’ face to protect her from the smoke and carried her out of the house as fast as he could.
Despite suffering burns, Byrd said he’d do it all again if needed.
“I’d run back in there and do it again, even if I got burnt worse or died,” he said.
When people called him a hero, Byrd humbly responded, “I wouldn’t say I’m a hero. I just wasn’t going to let my niece and nephews die.”
The Night a Man Stole the Spotlight on The Johnny Carson Show
David Tolley’s life took an unexpected turn on December 19, 1985, during a taping of Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. The scheduled guest, renowned pianist Horacio Gutierrez, was unable to perform due to a hand injury. Seizing the moment, Carson asked the audience if anyone could play the piano with a unique flair.
Tolley, a former piano student, boldly stepped up to the challenge. He mesmerized the crowd with a beautiful rendition of “Memory” from the musical Cats, earning a standing ovation and instantly establishing his reputation as a remarkable talent.
The next day, Tolley’s life changed dramatically. His phone rang nonstop with offers, including movie roles, cruise ship gigs, and various other opportunities. A chance moment on a late-night talk show had completely transformed his future. Tolley’s unexpected success is a powerful reminder to always be ready for the opportunities and challenges that come your way.
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