When Derrick Lewis Became A Hero in the Face of Hurricane Harvey
When Derrick Lewis Became A Hero in the Face of Hurricane Harvey
Derrick Lewis found himself in the midst of an extraordinary ordeal back in 2017 when Hurricane Harvey unleashed its wrath upon Houston, Texas. This throwback article revisits the heartwarming story of Lewis’s selfless act of heroism during those trying times.
As torrential rains flooded the streets and the city was plunged into chaos, Lewis, a Houston resident, rose to the occasion. He waded through ant-infested waters, braving strong currents that chewed up his legs and left his thighs burning. His mission was simple but profound: to save people in dire need, no matter their background.
One such rescue mission brought Lewis face to face with an individual carrying a symbol associated with racism in America: a Confederate flag. The man, part of a family Lewis was assisting, expressed his wish to take his flag with him as they escaped the rising floodwaters.
Lewis’s response, in his own words, was clear and resolute: “I don’t care about that. I live in Texas. It ain’t nothing new. I’ve been living in the South all my life, and it ain’t nothing I hadn’t seen before or discussed about. I don’t care about that type of stuff. I just wanted to help him.”
A man of action, Lewis had been responding to distress messages on social media and calls from friends, using his massive Chevy truck to transport those in need to safety, with a particular focus on families with children. The situation had become so dire that even city officials had been forced to limit their rescue efforts.
The heartwarming act of kindness, saving a family that included a man with a controversial flag, was a testament to Lewis’s unwavering dedication to helping others in their time of need. He continued to offer his assistance during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, putting the needs of his community before his own.
At the time of these events, Lewis was a highly-regarded UFC fighter, holding a record of 18-5 in MMA, with 9 wins in the UFC. He was scheduled to face Fabricio Werdum in a high-profile bout, but all concerns of the fight were temporarily put on hold. Lewis emphasized that his priority was the well-being of his family, friends, and the community around him.
In the years that followed, Derrick Lewis continued to be a force to be reckoned with in the UFC, amassing a record-breaking 14 knockouts in the promotion. His story of heroism during Hurricane Harvey showcased not only his fighting spirit in the octagon but also his unyielding determination to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Derrick Lewis, the UFC heavyweight sensation known for his humor as much as his power-packed punches, didn’t let a recent run-in with the law ruffle his feathers. The 38-year-old fighter found himself on the wrong side of the speedometer, allegedly clocking a breathtaking 136 MPH in a 50 MPH zone on the streets of his hometown, Houston.
With a main event fight against Jailton Almeida just days away at UFC Sao Paulo, Lewis addressed his recent arrest with a nonchalant demeanor that has become his trademark. Speaking during a media day for the event, he shared a response that left those present in stitches.
“Nah, I don’t even think that was me,” Lewis quipped, addressing the arrest (courtesy of Canal Encarada). “That guy had hair. You seen the picture? I don’t got no hair. That ain’t me.”
For those unfamiliar with the “Shaggy defense,” it’s a reference to the classic Shaggy song “It Wasn’t Me,” where the singer repeatedly denies any wrongdoing, even in the face of overwhelming evidence.
Ironically, the arrest record from the traffic stop, which led to Lewis being taken into custody, listed him as having black hair (he’s actually bald), and his height and weight were documented as 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds. Lewis, who is known for his massive frame, jokingly suggested that he might be shedding a few pounds to make a move to the light heavyweight division.
In all seriousness, Lewis was pulled over for alleged reckless driving, reportedly speeding past law enforcement officers while weaving through traffic at speeds nearly three times the legal limit on that particular road. The reckless driving charge is categorized as a misdemeanor, with potential penalties including up to 30 days in jail or a fine of up to $200 if convicted.
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