An Arizona grandfather is scheduled for an above-knee amputation of his right leg after collapsing on a scorching sidewalk amid 120-degree heat earlier this month. Grant Siler, 72, fell during a walk on Aug. 3 in Bullhead City, an incident that caused his body temperature to exceed 105 degrees.
According to a GoFundMe created by his family, Siler was on the ground for at least an hour before a passerby found him. He sustained second- and third-degree burns on multiple areas of his body, heat stroke, and multiple organ shock. Siler was transported to a burn intensive care unit in Las Vegas, where doctors identified the extent of his heat-related injuries.
"He is in constant pain, can barely move, and has undergone two debridements. Also, he will soon need to undergo surgery for amputation, the extent is not yet known," the GoFundMe stated. During surgery, medical professionals determined that the tissue in Siler's right leg was too severely damaged to heal properly. He is slated for the amputation surgery on Aug. 31.
Siler's daughter, Heather Crook, told FOX 10 Phoenix that doctors believe an above-knee amputation will lead to better healing and pain management. The family is seeking donations to help cover costs for home renovations, medical supplies, prosthetics, and other recovery expenses. Siler's wife has been traveling to be with him while continuing to work to manage the family's financial obligations.
Crook described her father as someone who typically would "get up and walk it off," noting that his cries of pain are unusual for him and indicative of the severity of his condition. Siler had previously experienced a significant injury when he dropped an 80-pound cinderblock on his foot but did not seek medical attention.