This past Thursday morning Jaime Foxx did something extraordinary. He saved a man’s life. The man, 32-year old Brett Kyle was still in the vehicle as it set ablaze. His truck, a 2007 Toyota Tacoma was on its side, the doors were locked and the window were raised. Foxx responded quickly and took action by immediately calling the police. Jaime Foxx then rushed to the victim's aid. When Foxx approached the scene the car was on fire already and the man was trapped inside. Foxx stated many times in order to keep the man calm, “You have angels all around you.”
What Foxx didn't realize at the time, is that one of the many angels was himself.
Jaime Foxx, alongside an off-duty paramedic, pulled Kyle from the burning vehicle. The man involved in the crash suffered a punctured lung as well as broken bones. The victim is going to survive these injuries, as they are healable and doctors are currently working on his recovery. Jaime Foxx suffered minor cuts and burns on his hands. He is doing well.
The driver, Brett Kyle was presumably intoxicated and may be facing charges for driving under the influence of alcohol. The man's father could be seen in tears in a recent interview conducted by ABC. Brett's father proclaimed through the tears, "It doesn't matter who you are or what your job is, the fact that someone would do this is more than I can fathom." Despite obvious positive reactions from the public Jaime Foxx proclaims “I’m not a hero. I don't see it as heroic, you just had to do something and it all worked out.” He believes this is how all people should respond in a situation as dire as this one was. Many other bystanders simply drove by the crash, but Mr. Foxx took actions, as all people should have.
The last part of this story is what disturbs me most. People fall far too easily into the bystander effect when it comes to emergencies. It doesn’t matter if you are a school nurse, a businessman or a movie star, every person should look out for one another as Jaime Foxx did for Brett Kyle.
This video from ABC.com gives the detailed story of the incident.
Regardless of Jaime Foxx's modesty, I firmly believe Jaime Foxx is a hero. He rose above the crowd and bravely dared to take action when lesser men drove past. If everyone acted as Jaime Foxx did in this situation our world would be a better, safer place.
Jaime Foxx hopefully inspires the next person who would have been a bystander.
Bravo, Jaime Foxx.
You are my hero.