A Sheriff’s Deputy from Anderson County in Knoxville, Tennessee has woken up after 23 days in a coma spent fighting for his life.
According to reports, Sheriff’s Deputy Lucas Shoffner is now awake and responsive almost a month after he and his wife, Nicole Shoffner were hit by a car on August 1.
The couple were attempting to fix a chain on a miniature motorcycle when they were struck by a pick truck in Campbell County. Nicole was taken to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center for x-rays and a head CT. Lucas, though, suffered graver injuries and was rushed to the ICU at University of Tennessee Medical Center.
There, Lucas fell into a coma and has been battling for his life for a total of 23 days.
As per a GoFundMe page set up for the injured couple, Lucas shoved Nicole to the side as the oncoming truck sped towards them. In doing so, he likely saved his partner’s life, but it also meant that he took most of the strike.
“He was left unconscious on scene and subsequently taken to UT Trauma,” the page reads.
“He’s currently in TICU and has been diagnosed with a brain bleed, a fractured skull, multiple facial fractures and has a blood clot in his main artery in his neck.
“Currently they have intubated him and placed a central line in him as well as a “bolt” in his skull to help relive inner cranial pressure. This is our biggest prayer at the moment. If the inter-cranial pressure reaches a certain threshold, they will have to perform more invasive intervention. At the moment, however, and as no surprise, our warrior is holding strong.
Now, however, the sheriff’s deputy, also a brave United States Army veteran, is awake, much to the joy of his colleagues and loved ones.
The GoFundMe continues: “Let’s start praying for our buddy. If anyone is deserving of a second chance at life, it’s this guy. He’s kind, he’s loyal, he’s funny and he’s as strong as a damn ox. Everyone has said the same thing when they learn of his injuries… “He doesn’t deserve this”. He is the greatest of us all. What he DOES deserve, is to be flooded with the love, compassion, prayers, and generosity of our collective communities.
“Nicole’s sister, Chandler beautifully adds, “If anyone knows Lucas and Nicole, they know how much love they have for one another. They are the perfect example of strength, commitment, compassion and unconditional love. Both of them are such special people with tender, kind hearts. God is holding both of their hands right now. Please pray for the both of them, especially Lucas as they fight for their healing and strength. They both have a long road of recovery ahead of them and any amount of time they can spend healing together, without worry, is precious time. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers. I love you both more than words.”
According to reports, Raymond Surber, who was driving the pickup when Lucas and Nicole were hit, is a Campbell County Sheriff’s Office deputy. The preliminary report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol listed charges as pending for all parties involved, but as yet none have been issued.
We’re all pulling for Lucas and Nicole as they make their respective recoveries after such a horrible accident.
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