A Washington man is rightfully being hailed a hero after charging into a burning home to save his eight-year-old niece.
Reports detail how 20-year-old Derrick Byrd suffered second and third-degree burns on his face, back, and arms, having rushed into the building when he became aware his niece was trapped.
Speaking to KOMO-TV, he said: “Even though I got burnt, I really didn’t care, though. I’d rather get burnt than her. She’s young. She’s still got a lot of stuff going for her. She’s a good kid.”
The fire, at a home in Aberdeen, Washington is believed to have started while Byrd and six other family members were inside, including his sister, Kayla, and her three children.
Byrd caught his nephews, Junior and Royce, when they jumped from a window on the second floor. His eight-year-old niece Mercedes, however, was too afraid to jump after having watched Kayla fall from the roof.
Without thinking, Byrd dashed back into the house to rescue her. Within moments, he could feel the flames on him.
“I could feel it burning me,” he explained.
“I got her and took my shirt off and put it around her face so she wouldn’t breathe in any smoke and I just carried her out as fast as I could.”
True hero
What’s more, despite suffering injuries, Byrd said he would do it again if he had to.
“I’d run back in there and do it again even if I got burnt worse or died.”
Commenting on all those dubbing him a hero, he simply replied: “I can’t say a hero. I’d just say for my niece and nephews, I wasn’t going to let them die.”
What a genuine hero Derrick Byrd truly is. In moments like that, people’s true colours are shown, and Derrick can certainly be proud of his.
Dick Van Dyke, 98, Shocks Fans with Sudden Public Appearance Cancellation—Find Out Why
American actor and comedian Dick Van Dyke has canceled his much-anticipated appearance at the FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention. Fans are now worried and sending their prayers.
FanX shared the news on September 21 via a statement on social media and their website.
“We regret to inform you that Dick Van Dyke cannot travel to FanX. He appreciates all the support from his fans, but at almost 99 years old, traveling and meeting thousands of people is more than he can handle right now,” the statement said.
The message emphasized that although Van Dyke is still loved by many fans, the physical demands of public appearances have become too difficult for the legendary entertainer.
Once the news broke, fans quickly took to social media to share their thoughts and prayers for the beloved actor. Many recognized how demanding public events can be for someone approaching their 99th birthday, but they still expressed their worry and love for him.
Dick Van Dyke’s lighthearted remark about praying to make it to his 99th birthday perfectly captures the candid and playful spirit he’s always had, even when discussing his health.
With his December 13 birthday approaching, fans are rallying around him, sending prayers and positive messages. They all share the same hope—that he stays healthy and happy for many more years to come.
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