Support for Kyle Stone following kayaking accident

On Saturday, August 28, my younger brother, Kyle Stone, was involved in a freak accident while kayaking at Mammoth Cave State Resort Park. As he and his group neared the end of their float, a thunderstorm blew in unexpectedly and a tree fell across the river, landing atop Kyle and his kayak.

His girlfriend, sister, and brother-in-law, were unharmed and rescued him from the water and with help from a fellow kayaker and got him to shore. While they were able to get him breathing, he had a large head laceration, damage to his right arm/wrist, and torso.

After Search & Rescue arrived, Kyle was transported to T.J. Samson Hospital in Glasgow, KY where they determined he had a traumatic brain injury and severe damage to his right arm/wrist. His head laceration was closed using 17 staples. At the time, he was awake, though he did not recognize anyone and could not answer simple questions. The medical team determined that he needed to be transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. Following transport, he did recognize his girlfriend (Merissa) and the medical team was hopeful that his brain injury was less severe.

On Sunday morning, August 29, Kyle’s neurologist determined he is not stable enough for surgery. His brain is bruised and the latest CT Scan with contrast/dye showed blood on his brain and some swelling. He’s having issues speaking and identifying family members. His neurologist believes he had a seizure prior to arriving at Vanderbilt. At this time, he is on seizure medication and being monitored for the next 48-72 hours.

They also determined that he has broken ribs which have punctured his lungs, his right arm is broken in multiple places, as well as his wrist and fingers. Until his brain stabilizes he cannot undergo surgery for any of these injuries. He’s currently being medicated for the pain, as well as to keep him calm, so he’s in and out of consciousness.

At this point, we do not know what Kyle’s exact path to recovery will be—the most important thing is that he is alive. He’s an incredible person and has a lot of people rooting for him to make a full recovery! Brain surgery is still possible and he will need to undergo surgeries to repair his other injuries, as well as extensive physical and occupational therapy down the road. Our family is setting up this GoFundMe to help cover Kyle’s medical expenses in hopes that we can help alleviate the financial burden that will come with his recovery.

Please donate if you can and share this fundraiser. Prayers, well wishes, and positive thoughts are appreciated. We will share updates as we are able.