Life can take you by surprise. You never know what a given day will bring. A young couple was standing on the side of the road when a car slammed into them.
The quick-thinking husband pushed his wife out of harm’s way, ultimately saving her life. But he was not so fortunate…
Raymond Surber, 31, was driving his 2017 Chevrolet Silverado off-duty on August 1 when he collided with a young couple on the side of the road. ACSO Reserve Deputies Lucas and Nicole Shoffner were on the side of the road attempting to repair a dirt bike when Surber collided with them.
The crash occurred at approximately 11:17 p.m. The crash injured both husband and wife, but Lucas suffered more serious injuries.
Matt Fagiana, a member of the Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, revealed to the public that Lucas shoved his wife to the side, causing her to sustain more serious injuries. Lucas’ brave actions, according to Fagiana, saved his wife’s life.
“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,” Fagiana said. “You got this Lucas and we are behind you and Nicole every step of the way.”
Nicole was airlifted to Fort Sanders for a CT scan and x-rays. While Lucas suffered serious head injuries and was admitted to the Transplant Intensive Care Unit at the University of Texas Medical Center for treatment. Lucas was medically induced into a coma. He was soon weaned off the paralytic, but he was still sedated.
In comparison to her husband Lucas, his wife Nicole suffered minor injuries. She was rallying behind him and assisting him in all aspects of his recovery. Their friends created a GoFundMe page to assist the couple with their medical bills.
They set a goal of $100,000, and more than $93,000 was raised. Nicole thanked everyone who donated and assisted them, as well as those who prayed for the young couple’s recovery.
Lucas awoke from his coma after 23 days and was deemed to be on the mend by doctors. According to reports, Lucas will now be transferred to an Atlanta rehabilitation facility to continue his recovery.
Lucas’ recovery appears to be going well, according to Nicole’s Instagram stories. The ASCO deputy recently walked 200 steps at the rehabilitation centre, which his wife praised and many people in their lives celebrated.