Some of you are aware of the tragic accident my brother Seth, his family, and a few friends just experienced this week. Seth and family have been living in Zambia for the past year and were taking a trip to Zimbabwe one week ago. Those of you who went to high school with Seth and I, will also know Seth Wiggins who has been a close friend for years. Seth W. and Caroline's sister Katie were with Seth's family when they got into the accident. I share this with you not only because of it's importance in my life, but because many of you have asked. The letter I am posting is from my sweet parents, serving a mission for the LDS church in Fiji. It is slightly outdated, and the extent of Seth's injuries are greater than we knew at the time it was written, but it at least gives you an idea of the turn of events:
Dear Friends and Family,
Some of you are very aware of the recent tragic auto accident Seth
and Caroline were in, others of you may be learning of this for the
first time. We wanted to give you all a brief update:
A few days ago, Seth and Caroline along with their children, Tommy (4
1/2 yrs) and Cali (1), Caroline’s younger sister, Katie (18yrs.), and 3
friends – including Seth’s best friend from Corvallis, Seth Wiggins,
were all traveling by car from their home in Zambia to Zimbabwe. The
driver fell asleep and the car rolled three times, crashing into a tree
just at the front passenger seat where our Seth was seated. Though
banged up, Seth Wiggins and the two other friends appear to have not
been injured badly. Tommy was thrown from the car and had a concussion
and cuts to his head, Cali seems to have been spared any serious injury,
Caroline has a very serious cut on her foot, Katie has broken ribs and
lung contusion along with a serious concussion and perhaps other
undiagnosed injuries. Seth Sherry was critically injured with a broken
neck and back (C-1 & C-6 vertebrae). As you can imagine, the care
in a 3rd world country is lacking and compromised, particularly with
Seth. Over a period of a day and half, it became clear that if Seth’s
life and limb movement abilities were to be preserved, he would need to
be flown to Johannesburg, South Africa which the insurance company did
arrange and Seth Wiggins accompanied him on the flight (where he remains
to give perfect care and attention to our Seth). Caroline and family
stayed behind in a clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe (the capital) where they
are now in the care of local LDS church members. All of them have been
treated and released with the exception of Katie, but she now seems to
be showing signs of improvement.
In South Africa, all exams and tests were redone and the injuries
more specifically identified. Seth continues to have movement in feet
and hands though his shoulders and arms above the elbow have diminished
sensation and movement (this however, has improved over the last couple
days – a very good sign). As of today, neurosurgeons are still
discussing the best approach to stabilize Seth’s neck and back. The
next step in doing so is critical and of immediate concern to prevent
paralysis. As of this writing, we don’t know what course of action will
be decided upon but it will likely happen in the next 24 hours.
There have been so many prayers, blessings, people in the right
places, and miraculous help from LDS Church members in both Zimbabwe and
South Africa. We appreciate your concern and prayers, they are deeply
meaningful to us and important for Seth, Caroline and family. Between
the physical injuries, time zone differences, challenges in long distant
communication and getting accurate information, and the future
unknowns, this is a terribly trying time but we trust in the Lord and
pray for His watchcare to do what we cannot. We will update you all as
we are able. Thank you dear friends for all you mean to us and our
family.
Love,
Annie and Tom
3 months ago
