Local man seeks ways to reach out to young people
Tyler-Blake Kimbrell
Tyler-Blake Kimbrell has a message he wants to share: his heart for young adults.
“Anytime I see a young person struggling … it breaks my heart because I’ve been there,” he said.
Kimbrell, 24, has gained some notoriety in recent months, hailed a hero after a video he captured while he was rescuing his niece from a car accident went viral. He was following his sister Destiny when her car ran off the road and flipped, ejecting Destiny and trapping 11-month-old Breleigh. The story has been retold across the nation and overseas by People magazine, Daily Mail, the Steve Harvey show and various news stations.
Kimbrell was involved in the scene of another accident just a few weeks ago, when 11-year-old Haley Bryant was ejected from a vehicle near Russell de Villa apartments on Highway 24. Kimbrell’s mother lives in the apartment complex, and he was visiting her when he heard the crash.
“You could tell it was a horrible accident just by the sound – it shook the whole apartment complex,” Kimbrell said.
Kimbrell said he called 9-1-1 and did what he could to stabilize Haley until emergency personnel arrived.
With his heart for young people in mind, and wanting to use his newfound fame for good, Kimbrell said he wants to try to make an impact in the Franklin County/Shoals area.
“I feel I can really be used as a voice,” Kimbrell said. “Surely there is something I can do in my own community.”
He has been volunteering with his church, Faith Church in Florence, participating in efforts like Habitat for Humanity as well as the animal shelter. He said he hopes to be able to use his story, his influence, and his own experiences to encourage young people to choose the right path and make good decisions.
“I know that I can be used to make an impact,” Kimbrell said. “Any way I can help, throughout my community, then I’m there for it – happy to help. If I can help one person change their life – you’ve done something there. That could speak to generations.”
