Featured on a recent episode of “American Idol,” Ringgold hero Tyler Long, 11, saved his immediate family members who were injured in the recent tornado that struck their home in Cherokee Valley on Friendship Road. Hanging out at the Lauren Alaina watch party in Rossville from left are hero Tyler Long, with his family including grandma Donna Phillips, grandpa Garry Phillips, brother Conner Long, cousin Austin Estep, aunt Doylette Estep, uncle Tim Estep and cousin Destiny Burton.
Photo by Katie WardLocal Ringgold hero Tyler Long, 11, and his family members recently attended a Lauren Alaina “American Idol” finale watch party at the Renaissance Center in Rossville.
Tyler was featured on Lauren Alaina’s hometown visit episode of “American Idol.” Lauren spoke with Tyler one-on-one thanking him for saving his family members that were injured in the April 27 tornado in Cherokee Valley on Friendship Road.
Ringgold Councilman Randall Franks personally thanked Tyler at the watch party.
“He dug his cousin Nathan Estep out of the debris,” said Franks. “He helped his mom who was injured and helped find his little brother. Tyler was the only one that could move around.”
Franks said Tyler rescued his family members, making him a local hero.