Ballet Dancer in Memphis Faces Tough Recovery After Hit-and-Run Incident
Memphis, Tennessee – In a heartbreaking turn of events, a young ballet dancer, Noah Long, has found himself in the hospital after being hit by a car in a hit-and-run incident late Saturday night. Just a few days earlier, the 23-year-old moved from Toronto, Canada, to Memphis to join the talented team at Ballet Memphis. Little did he know that his exciting new chapter would take a grim turn.
On that fateful night, Noah was riding his bike along Poplar Avenue near Avalon around 1 AM after a gathering that welcomed him to the city. Tragically, a black car collided with him, launching him from his bike and leaving him in severe pain on the roadside. Eyewitness Sharon Robinson was at the scene and witnessed the entire ordeal. “I actually saw him get hit and fly through the air, close to the trees and when he came down, I just went in shock,” Sharon recounted. However, her instinct kicked in, and she didn’t hesitate for a moment to help.
Sharon quickly called 911 and rushed to Noah’s side, praying for him until the paramedics arrived. “Lord watch over him, please help him recover from this, Lord just guide him,” she prayed fervently. “I kept telling him, ‘I’m not gonna leave you, I’m not gonna leave you.’” Her swift action and presence undoubtedly made a difference in what could have been a much worse outcome.
As Noah’s family waited anxiously for news, they were filled with concern for his recovery. Sharon, having no idea if Noah had survived, was desperate to know how he was doing. The next day, Noah’s sister, Kate Robbins, reached out to Sharon, leading to a powerful reunion in the hospital. Overcome with emotion, Kate expressed her gratitude, calling Sharon her brother’s “guardian angel.” She praised Sharon, saying, “I’m just so proud of you. She did such a good job. It’s so stressful, and she made sure he wasn’t moved because his neck was broken. He could’ve been paralyzed had she not been there.”
Noah is currently recovering in the hospital, but his injuries are nothing short of serious. His jaw is wired shut, and he has to undergo hand surgery in the near future. However, despite the pain and uncertainty, there are glimmers of hope. Just this Tuesday morning, for the first time in days, Noah managed to take several steps, a significant step forward in his recovery.
When Noah came out of anesthesia, his first words were a heartfelt inquiry—“I need to know who found me.” He didn’t recall the accident but felt a comforting presence during his trauma. Sharon expressed her eagerness to see Noah back on his feet, gleefully anticipating the moment she would witness him dance again. “I can’t wait to see him dance in the coming months,” Sharon said with a smile, reinforcing the bond they formed during such a dark moment.
The investigation into the hit-and-run continues. Authorities describe the vehicle involved as a small black hatchback, likely a Ford Fiesta, which is thought to have sustained front-end damage from the crash. Anyone who might have information about this incident is encouraged to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.
The community has rallied around Noah and his family during this difficult time. To further assist with his recovery, a GoFundMe page has been set up, providing a way for those who want to offer financial support while Noah embarks on his arduous journey back to health.
This incident serves as a potent reminder of the unforeseen challenges life can present. Noah’s situation is a testimony to the power of quick thinking and compassion—something Sharon Robinson exemplified when she rushed to help a stranger in his time of need. As Noah continues to recover, he and his family are thankful for the kindness displayed and hopeful for the future.
As the investigation unfolds and Noah heals, we can all take a moment to appreciate the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community support, all while keeping an eye out for the black hatchback that has left a mark not just on Noah, but on the heart of Memphis.
