Police have identified 53-year-old Thomas Sapp of Bogalusa as the man who lost his life after being struck by a car outside the Yellow Brick House restaurant in Denham Springs. The accident occurred just moments after Sapp had received a hot meal inside the restaurant, marking a tragic end to what had been a brief moment of kindness.
Sapp, who was homeless, had entered the restaurant seeking help, and the owners, Chad Matrana and his wife, Kimberly James, welcomed him. “Our manager sat with him and spoke with him for a little while. We were making his plate, and all we knew at this point was that his name was Thomas,” Matrana said. It was the first time they had encountered Sapp, but their response was in keeping with their practice of helping those in need.
The incident has left the restaurant owners and staff deeply shaken. The timing of the tragedy—occurring immediately after Sapp had been shown generosity—has made the loss especially poignant. The owners expressed their sorrow over the accident, emphasizing the brief but meaningful connection they had with Sapp.
In a heartfelt gesture, Matrana and James have announced they will cover Sapp’s funeral expenses. Their decision reflects a commitment to honoring Sapp’s memory and underscores the restaurant’s dedication to serving the community, particularly those in vulnerable situations.
Sapp’s untimely death is a somber reminder of the hardships faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and the importance of compassion in addressing their needs. Though his life was cut short, the kindness he received at the Yellow Brick House stands as a testament to the power of humanity in even the briefest encounters.
As the Denham Springs community mourns, Sapp’s story serves as a call for greater empathy and support for those struggling with homelessness. The actions of the Yellow Brick House owners demonstrate how small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact, even in the most tragic of circumstances.