The 27-year-old employee is in critical condition at an area hospital with head trauma, Deer Tracks Junction said.
CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. — A 27-year-old employee of a west Michigan wildlife adventure park was seriously injured in a workplace accident earlier this month.
The Kent County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded to Junction of deer tracks Parc Aventure shortly after 3:30 p.m. on April 19.
Deputies believe the worker, identified as Tyler Powell, was on a ladder in the giraffe enclosure when the giraffe hit the ladder, causing him to fall.
He was rushed to an area hospital with serious injuries.
Deer Tracks Junction owner Kelly Powell, who is Tyler's father, told 13 ON YOUR SIDE there were no animals in the enclosure at the time of the fall.
He called it “a simple accident of scale,” without going into further detail. He said he was in the bullpen with Tyler when it happened.
Since that day, Deer Tracks Junction Adventure Park has shared some updates on its condition.
“We reach out to our community in prayer. Tyler, who is a son, father, husband and a vital part of this business, was in an accident on Friday, April 19. He is in critical condition in intensive care with (Head Trauma). We live in a world of unknowns and we turn to all of you to pray for Tyler's healing and strength,” he said. » said the company on Facebook.
The employee's friends shared a GoFundMe fundraising account to raise money for his medical bills.
“There are no words to describe how we feel and how grateful we are to this supportive community. If you would all join us in praying for Tyler, we would be so grateful,” said the person in charge. fundraising.
13 ON YOUR SIDE has contacted Deer Tracks Junction Adventure Park for comment. We haven't had a response yet.
Deer Tracks Junction is currently closed for the season, but their website says they open around Memorial Day weekend, weather permitting.
The park shared earlier in April, they plan to launches a new giraffe called Puzzles. The owner said there were now a pair of giraffes in the park.
►Make it easy to follow more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Do you have a current tip? E-mail news@13onyourside.comvisit our the Facebook page Or Twitter. Subscribe to our Youtube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV stickApple TV and on your phone.
