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.”
Jenna Dewan Mourns: ‘You Showed Me I Could Become a Mother’
The 43-year-old actress Jenna Dewan is mourning the passing of Meeka, her cherished puppy. Meeka, who was eighteen, died on May 28. On May 29, Jenna posted a touching ode to her “first baby” on Instagram. Over the years, she shared a number of pictures of herself with Meeka, including ones of Meeka with Jenna’s kids, Callum Kazee, 4, and Everly Tatum, 10, who are Jenna’s children.
In the tearful message, Jenna talked about how much she loved her animal friend and how many memories they had made together. She made the amusing comment that Meeka and she have “more eras than” Taylor Swift. As Jenna had different experiences and became a mother, she also acknowledged Meeka’s important influence in her life.
Meeka was Jenna’s continuous comfort and support system during their 18-year journey. She traveled the world with the devoted puppy, who also supported her during the difficult postpartum and quarantine periods. Jenna will always treasure the memories she shared with Meeka, who was the queen of the house.
Jenna expressed thankfulness for the dog’s calm transition even in Meeka’s last hours. She feels that because Jenna is currently expecting a child with her fiancé, Steve Kazee, Meeka’s soul will continue to watch over them and the new member of their family.
This loss occurs after Wylie, a rescue dog, was adopted by Jenna and Steve in 2021. With their furry friends and kids by their sides, they are creating a loving family. Jenna is thankful for the wonderful gift Meeka was and their enduring relationship, even though she is greatly missed.
Let’s pay tribute to and remember Jenna’s cherished puppy, Meeka, who filled her life with so much happiness and company.
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