Tim Tebow's wife, Demi-Leigh Tebow, recently shared her heart-stopping story of survival after enduring a terrifying carjacking experience back in 2017.
The former Miss Universe recounted the harrowing details during an interview with _Fox News Digital_, explaining how her quick instincts and self-defense skills helped her escape from her attackers.
Just months after being crowned Miss South Africa on March 26, 2017, Demi-Leigh found herself at a red light, en route to fulfill her duties as the reigning Miss South Africa.
Suddenly, her car was surrounded by five men, armed and aggressive, thwarting her peaceful drive with sheer intimidation.
"Before I could even blink, I was surrounded by multiple men, and some of them were armed," she told _Fox News Digital_, as she promoted her new book, A Crown That Lasts.
While many might freeze under such duress, Demi-Leigh recalled her father’s insistence on her attending safety driving classes and self-defense workshops, which would prove invaluable.
"It’s hard to react when danger strikes, but I knew I had to think quickly to survive," she explained.
Stuck between her attackers and the likelihood of suffering worse harm elsewhere, she strategized her next move carefully.
"I knew not to go to the second destination because whatever was going to happen there would be worse than what was happening right now," Demi-Leigh stated, highlighting her deep-seated instincts honed from her training.
With the car door ajar, she seized her chance. "I tried to run away," she narrated, but was quickly pulled back by one of the assailants.
Despite the risk, Demi-Leigh executed what she had learned during her self-defense courses and delivered one decisive blow—they say the throat is fatal if hit correctly.
"I punched him as hard as I could in the throat, and I bolted out of there!" she exclaimed, and it worked, granting her a brief moment to escape.
What followed was her terrifying sprint through the streets, fueled by adrenaline and fear, as she glanced back, uncertain of the threat lingering behind her.
"I constantly looked over my shoulder, not knowing if I was being chased or if I was about to be shot from behind," she recalled, describing the panic as she navigated through peak-hour traffic.
Sadly, she felt invisible to the public. "Nobody would stop to help me," she said, reflecting on the apathy of bystanders during her cry for help.
This horrific event didn't just leave Demi-Leigh shaken; it sparked her determination to advocate for other women facing similar threats.
"That moment really broke my heart and motivated me to help people" she said, prompting her to start her #Unbreakable Campaign.
The campaign aims to educate college students on self-defense, how to stay safe and promote awareness against violence against women.
Her partnership with Tim Tebow began around the same time, aligned through their mutual passion for philanthropy and advocacy against human trafficking.
They first met through _Night to Shine_, Tim's foundation event, which also underscores the importance of giving back to the community.
After their wedding in 2020, Demi-Leigh retained her fierce spirit and continued pushing her message of empowerment even stronger.
Sharing her story transformed from trauma to purpose, empowering others to fight back against danger.
Through her own experiences, Demi-Leigh hopes to become the person who would stop and help someone else, addressing the issues of compassion, danger, and community responsibility.
"I want to be the one girl who eventually stops for someone to help," she emphasized, highlighting the essence of solidarity.
This experience has not only impacted her physically but reshaped her emotional and mental outlook on public safety and personal empowerment.
Demi-Leigh’s resilience reflects the strength of women who endure adversity, reminding everyone how important it is to stand and fight against personal danger.
Her story serves as both a warning and inspiration, touching on the realities of living under the threat of violence, yet showing how one can rise from it.
Thus, she continues to share her story, reminding us all of the strength inherent within to overcome and help others alike.
It’s the power of survived experiences, amplified through advocacy, hope, and change. Together, we can build strength and awareness, working to put an end to the injustices plaguing our communities.
