Turner family thanks community for support after accident

By Zack Anchors
Staff writer
    When Scarborough lobsterman Tyler Turner arrived at the hospital after a motorcycle accident on the Pine Point Road last summer, his injuries were severe. That night he underwent several surgeries and then had five more over the next weeks. With a broken leg and critical damage to his pelvis and hip, doctors described the condition as multi-trauma and kept him in the hospital for five weeks. With medical bills stacking up, the Turner family was unsure how they would pay for it all. That is when a wide range of community members stepped in to help, stunning the Turners with their generosity.
    Tyler’s mother, Debbie Turner, said there were so many gestures of goodwill that she cannot describe them all, but one that stands out is a benefit held last November.
    “They put together a benefit dance down at the Clambake and I was just shocked at how many people turned out,” said Turner. “The place was packed. Wild Turkey played and donated their time – people have done so much.”
    Debbie Turner said Tyler is making progress in the recovery process and just recently was able to have a brace over his jaw removed.
    “He’s still going to therapy three times a week,” said Turner. “And he just recently got off his crutches. … I would assume he’d be in therapy for a while. He’s still got a ways to go.”
    Debbie Turner said there are too many people in the community to thank specifically, but she wanted to be sure to express her gratitude for all that’s been done.
    “We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our family, friends, and the entire community for the generous support and kindness that our family has experienced since Tyler’s accident,” Turner wrote in a letter to the Leader. “It’s been a journey that has included miracle after miracle that may not have taken place without the involvement and efforts of so many.”
    It may be a while until Tyler gets back to lobstering, but until then his brother has received special permission from the Department of Marine Resources to pull in Tyler’s traps.
“Tyler has a very supportive brother,” said Debbie Turner.
Debbie said the whole Turner family is thankful to live in a community “with such a huge, caring heart.”
    “As much as it may experience change and growth, the people that make it so unique remain warm and generous individuals that are willing to help others during difficult times. We feel fortunate to live here and just wanted to say ‘thank you’ from the bottom of our hearts to everyone for their concern and kindness.”