A grandfather in Georgia is on life support after a headstone collapsed on him while he was helping at a cemetery. Brett McMichael, 52, was cutting grass at the Juliette United Methodist Church cemetery in Juliette on June 26 when the accident occurred.
McMichael was attempting to level a monument on a gravesite using a strap so the group could mow around the area. The monument then collapsed, striking him and rendering him unconscious. He was airlifted to a Macon hospital and placed on a ventilator. Surgery was performed to relieve pressure on his brain.
Medical Update and Family Decision
On Tuesday, McMichael's family announced they had met with his medical team to discuss his quality of life. "After many heartfelt conversations, difficult prayers, and with heavy hearts, the decision was made to remove Brett from life support this Thursday," his daughter-in-law, Grace McMichael, wrote on GoFundMe. McMichael had also been diagnosed with two broken vertebrae in his neck and a fractured or broken ankle, and was slated for facial reconstruction surgeries and other procedures.
Previously, the family had stated that "there [were] still many unknowns" and they were "taking things moment by moment."
Community Support and Personal History
A fundraiser established for McMichael indicated that he was his wife Donna's primary caregiver. Donna has a disability and chronic lung disease, requiring 24-hour oxygen and preventing her from working. The funds raised are intended to cover funeral expenses and Donna's medical costs. As of Tuesday, the fundraiser had collected approximately $12,100 of its $14,000 goal.
McMichael was remembered as "a man of tremendous kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith." His son, Landon, recalled telling his father in the hospital, "I need you to go ahead and get out of this bed because you are my rock." McMichael also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Jones County Fire Department, where he was approaching 35 years of service. Jones County Fire Chief Thomas Coleman described the situation as "heartbreaking."
The Juliette United Methodist Church has acknowledged the accident on social media, stating they would hold a special offering for McMichael and have asked for continued prayers for the family. McMichael is survived by his wife, Donna, his son Landon, and seven grandchildren.