The Accident

Yesterday, brothers Trey and Tyler Thompson jumped in a pick-up with friend Keith Cypert, a Munday High School student, to check on a grass fire on one of their ranches. They left the church (they were gathered for a retirement celebration) and raced to the scene of the fire not knowing that they were about to become part of another scene.

As Tyler, Keith, and Trey approached an intersection just south of Rhineland, an eighteen wheeler with malfunctioning brakes crossed the highway. Unable to avoid a collision, Trey, Tyler, and Keith swerved but instead hit the fuel tank of the semi-truck. The impact pushed both vehicles off the road into a wheat field. Incredibly, Keith, the only one not injured, was able to free himself and rescue Trey from the wreckage. The driver of the semi then assisted Keith as he went back into the burning truck to save Tyler who was on fire.

Immediately after they were rescued, both the pick-up and the semi exploded setting the field on fire.

We know that Tyler, Trey, Keith, and the truck driver were spared by the gracious hand of God Almighty.

The local fire department and emergency services sped to the scene. The emergency workers-all friends of the Thompson family-- arrived to administer medical aid and prepare them for transport by ambulance.

Meanwhile, Trey and Tyler's wives, parents(Cindy and Larry) and family members arrived on the scene. Both men were severely injured. But no one would know for sure the extent until they were taken to the hospital. Careflight was dispatched.

At Knox City they determined that Tyler had third degree burns over about 30% of his body, a badly broken leg, and other lacerations and injuries. Trey sustained a broken left arm, a fractured skull, and multiple injuries to his face. After being stabilized, both were air lifted to Lubbock's UMC.

Meanwhile, friends and family rallied together in prayer. Children were shuffled here and there and loving neighbors drove to Lubbock to support this dear family. No telling how many similar trips the Thompson's have made on the behalf of others in times like this...

The medical staff at UMC determined a plan of action for at least the near future. Tyler was admitted to the burn unit where he would received an operation to repair his leg. A large bar with pins was inserted from femur to ankle to keep his leg stretched straight. He is also kept sedated to help with pain and he is on a breathing machine due to smoke inhalation. Tyler's situation is dangerous because of the serious threat of infection. They say that Tyler will be in the burn unit at least 30 days.

Tyler is married to Tonya. They were high school sweethearts and now have 4 children. They have three girls and one boy born just this spring, Trevor. (Please pray for Trevor as well he has a breathing problem and just spent a couple of days in Cooks this last week.)

Trey underwent surgery for his broken arm this morning. Trey has many more surgeries ahead due to his facial injuries including breaking almost every bone in his face. Thank God, Ronda, Trey's wife, is able to be by his side much of the time. Trey and Ronda have 3 little girls as well.

We tell this story for those of you who don't know the Thompson family or what happened yesterday. We want your prayers and we want you to know more about these wonderful people that we love.

We also report this story for those of you who already know this family and want to know more or just want to know how to help. This will function as a hub to help inform everyone of any changes or needs. We simply want to create a centralized information point to help communicate prayer needs, keep friends and family informed, and to organized any type of help or aid we can muster. We hope to keep this updated according to every bit of news we hear. Bookmark this page and please, pray!

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