Man Cut in Half by Forklift Shares Heartfelt Plea for Support Before Christmas
Loren Schauers, who survived a devastating forklift accident that left him with life-altering injuries, has made a heartfelt plea for support as Christmas approaches. Loren, who is paralyzed from the waist down after the 2019 accident, hopes to grow his online community to 10,000 followers by Christmas.
In a Facebook update on November 17, Loren and his wife, Sabia Reiche, wrote: “Just a little shout out to all of you for supporting and following us, 10K by Christmas would be super cool. We appreciate each and every one of you for helping us create this community!!” Their account currently has 8,904 followers, and they remain determined to reach their goal.
Loren’s life changed forever on September 27, 2019, when he was operating a forklift on a highway bridge in Great Falls, Montana. The ground beneath the machine crumbled, causing him to fall 50 feet. He was pinned beneath the massive vehicle, suffering catastrophic injuries. Loren’s lower body was crushed, leading to a life-saving hemicorporectomy surgery, which amputated everything below his waist. He also lost his right forearm and hand and sustained multiple other injuries, reported by the Daily Mail.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Loren defied doctors’ expectations. Initially, medical professionals believed he would not survive and that his recovery, if possible, would take over a year. However, Loren was discharged after three months, followed by four weeks of rehabilitation, and has since learned to navigate life with prosthetics and a wheelchair.
Since his accident, Loren and Sabia have shared their journey through social media, inspiring many with their resilience. Their updates often include personal reflections, such as an earlier post on November 15 where Sabia wrote about Loren’s ongoing pain: “Loren is still not able to really go anywhere… Luckily mom and dad came out and cooked at our house.”
The couple’s transparency about their challenges has drawn both support and questions from followers. Loren previously shared his disappointment in how some friends distanced themselves after the accident, though he also highlighted the unwavering support of others.
In the years since, Loren and Sabia have built a life together, including purchasing their own home and celebrating their wedding in February 2021. As they continue to share their story, they hope to reach their Christmas goal, offering a message of perseverance and gratitude to their growing community.