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.
49ers Star Charvarius Ward the Lose of His 1-Year-Old Daughter
Superstar football player Charvarius Ward shared heartbreaking news on Instagram yesterday, October 29, 2024. In an emotional post, he revealed that his baby daughter had passed away.
49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward recently shared heartbreaking news on Instagram about the loss of his 1-year-old daughter, Amani Joy. Ward, who founded the organization Charvarius for Change in 2021, posted a loving photo of Amani smiling beside a loved one.
In his message, Charvarius expressed his sorrow, sharing that Amani had passed away on Monday morning, October 28, 2024. He described her as a “blessing” who filled their lives with joy, teaching them patience, trust, and positivity.
The grieving father, who began his football career at Hinds Community College, spoke about Amani’s strength and courage. He shared how she brought happiness to every room with her smile, adding that she had overcome challenges at such a young age.
Charvarius and Amani’s mom, Monique, felt privileged to experience the world through Amani’s eyes, which brought positive change to their lives. Charvarius ended his message by saying, “She will forever be daddy’s best friend and mommy’s little girl. We’ll miss you and love you forever, Amani Joy.”
In addition to his post, Charvarius shared on his Instagram Story with a message on a black background, saying, “I’m Broken ,” along with a photo of Amani in a onesie with the words, “My Baby. My Life. My Queen. My Heart. My Everything .” Monique also shared a post on her Story, writing, “My baby. God why? .”
The 49ers also expressed condolences, describing Amani as bringing joy to everyone with her “sweet demeanor and contagious laugh.” They added that they stand in grief with Charvarius and Monique, offering their love and support.
Earlier this year, Charvarius had shared a series of photos of Amani on Instagram to honor World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, 2024. He shared joyful moments with her and spoke about how Amani was a blessing. Initially, he and Monique struggled with her diagnosis, but those feelings turned to love once they saw her. Amani was born on November 17, 2022, and had undergone heart surgery early in life, but her parents cherished every moment with her.
An Instagram account created by Amani’s parents captured key moments of her life, from her birth to joyful times spent with her family. Our deepest condolences go out to Amani’s parents and loved ones as they mourn her loss.
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