SEPTEMBER 24, 2016
UPDATE ON JUSTIN LEE MAYNARD
KINGSPORT, TENNESSEE — Lawrence County native Justin Lee Maynard, 26, is slowly recovering from a fall he took at Bad Branch Falls in rural Letcher County nearly a month ago on Sept 3, 2016.
The 70 foot accidental fall left Justin with several life threatening injuries to both legs, internal organs and a serious head contusion.
He has recently been moved from intensive care and taken off life support systems at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee, a close relative told The Lazer today.
The fall took place while he was hiking with friends.
The worst injury was to his head where he fell forward and hit rocks causing a deep gash. He has been in a doctor induced coma since being taken to the med center until this week.
A LCHS grad, Justin served in the Peace Corps for two years and was an intern with TheLevisalazer.com just after graduating from Alice Lloyd College. He is the son of Bernice Maynard who ihas been at his bedside since the accident.
Continued prayers from the community are requested from family members and friends.
From Facebook tonight (Sunday)
An addition to this from one of Justin’s best friends:
“To everyone sharing the Louisa newspaper article:
Justin is off of the ventilator, but he remains on a feeding tube and is dependent on many medical necessities for aid.
He is still in the ICU, though he will be moved shortly (Monday) to a recovery facility in Bristol, TN.
He was never in a doctor induced coma. His coma was a natural one.
He continues to improve and has many small miracles every day, but he is not considered “recovered.”
We have a lot to rejoice, but his journey is expected to take at least 1 year. His doctors leave his tracheal opening in, because he may need that ventilator again soon. This is just one example of how he continues to fight and beat odds, but he has a very long way to go.
Let’s continue to offer him and his family support as he fights. Let’s celebrate the tiny miracles.”
(Thanks for making me aware of this, Liz!)
(Editor’s Note: We were told by Justin’s brother the day after the accident that he was in a doctor induced coma, but no matter he needs the continued prayers from his legion of friends and supporters and if he can recover in a year, that is much better than we originally thought was the prognosis.)
