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.
40 years ago, she was praised as the most beautiful actress. But now, she looks unrecognizable
Can you identify the actress in this photograph?
It’s Rachel Ward, best known for her unforgettable role as Maggie in the iconic film “Singing in the Blackthorns”.
Over forty years ago, Rachel enchanted audiences worldwide with her mesmerizing performances, establishing herself as one of cinema’s most luminous stars.
However, with the passage of time, Rachel’s appearance has naturally transformed, reflecting the inevitable changes that come with aging.
Now 66 years old, Rachel’s look is markedly different, free from the makeup and elaborate hairstyles that characterized her glamour during the dazzling 1980s.
Reactions to her recent photos blend surprise and nostalgic longing, with many fans fondly recalling the days when Rachel’s stunning beauty illuminated the big screen.
While some praise Rachel for embracing the natural aging process without resorting to cosmetic interventions, others express a bittersweet regret over the changes, missing her youthful appearance.
Yet, despite the changes brought by time, Rachel’s performance as Maggie in the cherished film remains vividly remembered, a testament to her remarkable talent and lasting impact on the world of cinema.
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