Burns student severely hurt in GA rodeo accident

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

Turner Morris seen here riding in a saddle bronc event. Photo courtesy of Turner Wildman Morris Recovery Facebook, by permission

UPPER CLEVELAND / GEORGIA – Saturday night, Burns rising senior Turner Morris was severely injured in a rodeo accident in Conyers, Georgia. Morris rides saddle bronc and bulls. He was air-lifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for emergency surgery.

Turner’s neck was broken in the accident. Currently, he can move his arms and squeeze with his hands. It was noted that he also passed the speech and swallow test. Surgeons were able to fuse his neck back together during the surgery.

Sunday morning, his church family gathered to pray.

Turner Morris and family's church congregation gather to pray for Turner on Sunday morning. Courtesy photo

On Facebook, Turner’s aunt, Alisa Downs, posted on Sunday morning about the accident and how so many people have offered support.

“My sister and Jeremy (the parents) would never ask for help, but I’ve had SO many amazing people ask what they can do!” she stated. “Most importantly PRAY.”

Downs told The Shelby Independent that her nephew had just qualified for the National High School Rodeo Finals which are to take place in July. She also said they are hoping to get him into the Shepherd Center.

 A Facebook group page was created and within hours already had almost 2,000 following by Sunday evening, all anxiously waiting for updates on his condition.

Turner was running a fever Sunday afternoon. A post on the Facebook group, “Turner Wildman Morris Recovery” stated that he had been running a fever and medical staff has been turning him every few hours.  

The family of Turner Morris is asking for rest for Turner “He has a very long road ahead. We need him to be rested to begin working. 2. Pray for restoration. 3. Pray for the medical team.”

For anyone who would like to donate to help pay for medical costs, there is a Venmo account @Abmorris82. Which belongs to his mother, Amanda Morris.

This news story is brought to you ad-free to only help spread the word and ask for prayers for Tuner, and his family, during this difficult time of recovery.

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.