Update: After going viral on the internet, and making headlines for her heroic act, RHS Cheerleader Tyra Winters met the toddler she saved in a televised CBS news segment.
Mom, Nicole Hornback, shared her thoughts and the heart racing moment during Rockwall’s Homecoming Parade:
It was homecoming week and I had planned on taking the boys to the homecoming parade on Wednesday and then to the homecoming football game on Friday.
On Wednesday, we got to our “spot” to enjoy the parade. The boys enjoyed seeing all of the floats and really enjoyed getting candy. I thought…..what would a little candy hurt? So I let them have at it.
It hurts my momma heart to share this publicly, because it was my sweet Clarke who was choking. It was my sweet Clarke who was helpless and I, his mother, was without knowledge of knowing how to help my baby. I tried to perform the Heimlich, not knowing if I was doing it right to save his life. It was my Clarke who this sweet girl saved.
Publicly acknowledging that I failed to save my child…..is scary. When it’s public, it means there is a possibility of judgment.
However, it doesn’t change the fact that someone took it upon themselves to place my child’s life in their hands. And this girl deserves to be acknowledged for her bravery.
I remember running from one person to the next frantically asking for help, but not being able to communicate what I needed help with, so these people were looking at me clueless and probably thinking I was crazy.
This brave girl saw distress in my face and didn’t think twice to run and help. It would be naive to say, “we happened to be in the right place at the right time.” God knew I would need her and God had already equipped her with tools I didn’t have and never thought I would need.
Her ability to be so attentive to a large crowd she is entertaining and seeing a mother in distress in the midst of all the chaos absolutely amazes me. She didn’t think twice to run and provide aid to my sweet boy.
Nicole added a heartfelt thank you:
“Tyra Winters, The words ‘thank you’ seem inadequate, but I have no other words to show you how grateful and thankful I am for you. You are someone who will always be remembered in our family because of your bravery. You are a light in my life and God has planned for you to be a light in the lives of other people. Continue to be brave. Continue to aid, never thinking twice. Continue to be a great steward of the gifts you have. You are a blessing. Thank you.” ~One grateful momma
Photos Courtesy: Brooke Armendinger and Hornback Family
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Original Rockwall ISD News Story:
Rockwall Student Jumps Off Parade Float, Saves Choking Child
HOCO Hero: Tyra Winters!
Tyra Winters is not your ordinary high school cheerleader. Not only can she tumble down the field while leading a crowd, she is a hero!
During the Rockwall High School homecoming parade, Tyra’s courage and leadership skills would be put to the test.
While she was in the parade, she heard someone yelling “HELP” and saw a boy choking on a piece of candy. Without hesitation, Tyra rushed over to the boy, performed the Heimlich maneuver until the candy dislodged.
Her courage and kind spirit saved the boy.
Thank you, Tyra!
Rockwall ISD News
Photo: RISD
Rockwall, Texas
