Tyler Lay Hunting Accident

Tyler Lay was in a hunting accident the morning of Friday, November 15th in Medon, TN that will forever change his life. He was on the way down the deer stand about five feet, and the cable broke. Tyler fell the other 20 feet to the ground. He says he knew what was happening about halfway down but of course at that point there was nothing he could do. It all happened so fast.

Tyler was able to get in touch with the landowner, and he came and called 911. The landowner also called Kristin. Tyler’s dad, Bruce, quickly made his way to the site.

There were several complications with the ambulance trying to get to Tyler and then the first helicopter could not pick him up, so it was about 3 hours before the second helicopter was able to take him to Regional Medical Center in Memphis. Tyler, being a nurse himself, was asking questions and very aware. He knew it was more serious than he thought when they took him to The Med.

Surgery was done Saturday morning. The spinal cord is crushed. Surgery lasted 4 hours and was very extensive. They had to deflate a lung and take a rib out to reconstruct the spine. He is having another major surgery Tuesday, November 19 to complete what they did on Saturday. He hurt his ring finger badly and will have surgery on it Friday, November 22 if all goes as planned. At first, the doctor said do not plan on Tyler walking again, but then he said he would not say either way. He’s seen some patients be successful at healing and some not.  

Tyler is married to Kristin, and they have a precious 3-month-old baby girl, Kelli Grace. Kristin is also a nurse and was going to go back to work part time soon, but now she is thinking she will need to go back to work full time in just a few days. They would like to get Tyler the best care and chance of recovery at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA and will need to make modifications to their home.

Days ahead look very challenging for the Lay family and we are asking for your support, financially and prayerfully. Please pray with us that God will heal Tyler’s body fully and completely. Please pray for all the days he has ahead of wondering, change, pain and hard work. Pray for Kristin as she carries everything on the home front with going back to work and taking care of baby Kelli. Tyler’s parents also need much prayer as they are right there for support and help in decision making through it all.

We appreciate all prayers. If you can also support the family financially, they will be forever grateful.