Memphis Man’s Walk Turns into a Life-Saving Encounter
In beautiful Memphis, Tennessee, Fred Blalack was enjoying a typical Wednesday afternoon stroll on the Greenline Trail, an area known for its scenic views and peaceful atmosphere. Little did he know that his routine walk would turn into a harrowing experience that could have had a much darker outcome.
The Collision
The tranquility of Fred’s day was abruptly shattered when a biker collided with him. The accident occurred near Sycamore View Road, and Fred was knocked to the ground, resulting in a terrible injury. “I honestly thought that I was going to bleed out on the track,” he recalled, shaking his head in disbelief.
After hitting the ground, he blacked out. When he regained consciousness, he was shocked to find himself covered in blood. “I mean I was bleeding profusely. I have never seen anyone ever bleed the way I was bleeding; it was just unbelievable,” he said, still visibly shaken by the severity of the incident.
A Kind Stranger
With no way to call for help, Fred faced a daunting challenge. His car was a mile and a half away, and he quickly realized he couldn’t stand up. Just when things seemed hopeless, a good Samaritan came along to offer assistance. “If that guy didn’t come along on the bike, I don’t think I could have made it to my car,” Fred explained. “I was gushing blood and didn’t have a lot of strength and my spirits were not the greatest.”
This kind cyclist, identified only as Scott, played a critical role in Fred’s recovery. He not only helped Fred up but also called an ambulance, ensuring that he was swiftly transported to the hospital.
The Hospital Visit
Upon arriving at the hospital, Fred learned that despite his severe injuries, he was fortunate to have no broken bones. He received stitches in his head and had a significant cut on his face glued shut. The relief of knowing that he had avoided further trauma brought some comfort amidst the chaos.
A Grateful Heart
Now on the mend, Fred reflects back on that day with a profound sense of gratitude for the man who saved his life. “I am so thankful to the person who came along,” Fred shared warmly. “All I know is that his name was Scott, and it is nice that someone was looking out for me.”
Forgiveness and Understanding
Surprisingly, Fred chose not to file a police report regarding the incident. He expressed uncertainty about whether the biker’s actions were intentional or accidental. “At the end of the day, I believe people are good,” he stated, radiating a sense of compassion. “I would just like to say whoever did it, I totally 100% forgive you. I am not the judge.”
A Lesson from Fred’s Experience
Fred Blalack’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the kindness that exists in our communities, even in the face of danger. His story illustrates the importance of being aware while out enjoying our trails and parks and reinforces the idea that there are heroes among us, ready to lend a hand when we least expect it.
As Fred continues his recovery journey, he is undoubtedly eager to return to the Greenline Trail. With his newfound appreciation for life and the people in it, he plans to walk again—this time, perhaps a little more cautiously, but with a grateful heart. Who knows? Maybe he’ll run into Scott again, the man who became a beacon of hope during one of the toughest moments of his life.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
