23 days after the deputy gives his life to avoid an automobile accident and protect his wife, a miracle occurs
More Info: Nicole Shoffner
Lucas and Nicole Shoffner, residents of Anderson County, were tragically struck by a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputy Raymond Surber when they were fixing a dirt bike late at night on the side of the road. The horrible accident left both the husband and wife injured.
After sustaining a minor head injury, Nicole was rushed to Fort Sanders for treatment. Still, Lucas was taken to the UT Medical Center Transplant Intensive Care Unit due to severe brain trauma. His situation was so serious that a medically induced coma stabilized him.
Later, authorities revealed that Lucas had pulled Nicole out of the way just before the catastrophe, maybe risking his own life to save hers. Lucas received the brunt of the blow, and his wife pleaded for his survival as he lay in the intensive care unit, “fighting for his life” with a brain bleed and several fractures.
Lucas required risky brain surgery to reduce the swelling, and his prognosis was uncertain. Lucas awoke after 23 days in a coma, three weeks after the incident, against all chances. Although he was still taking medication, doctors were optimistic about his progress.
Nicole didn’t find out that her husband was well enough to be transferred to a rehab center for another 17 days while Lucas remained in the intensive care unit. She accompanied her husband to a rehab facility in Atlanta, where Lucas still had a long way to go. She stayed by his side despite being in awe of his astonishing recovery.
As soon as the word of Lucas’ selfless deed spread, the nation came together to support the newlyweds. A couple’s buddy started a Go Fund Me campaign, which raised about $100,000 quickly.
Nicole, who suffered from agonizing pain for months after the tragedy and was allegedly unable to stand, expressed thankfulness for her survival. She credited her husband Lucas, who was making progress but would always struggle for it. The purest type of love, the willingness to give one’s life for another, is exemplified by Lucas’ brave deed. He and his wife had risked their lives for the community for years, and happily, the neighborhood has come together to show their support.
The story of Lucas and Nicole Shoffner is one of bravery, giving, and love. We can all take inspiration from Lucas’ gesture of kindness in rescuing his wife. The couple knows they have a long road to rehabilitation, but they have the support of their neighborhood, and they will undoubtedly come out more potent as a marriage.
