By Joe Johnson
A teen who was seriously injured when he fell four stories from a downtown parking deck about a week ago has been discharged from the hospital and reportedly is recovering at home.
Tyler Douthit, 18, is back with his family in Cherokee County and is expected to fully recover, his mother Melissa Rayburn Douthit posted Saturday on her Facebook page.
“Less than one week ago our world was turned upside down,” the woman wrote. “Today, our family is blessed beyond measure to share that Tyler is home and is expected to make a complete recovery.”
Tyler was a standout football player with Woodstock at Woodstock High School who in December won a scholarship to play football at Samford University in Alabama, and the fall that landed him in intensive care at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center made state and national news.
“We are so very thankful to have prayer warriors around the country who have prayed for and supported our family continuously this week. We appreciate each and every one of you and know that those prayers continue to work,” Melissa Douthit said.
The teen's fall that landed him on a railing at the entrance to parking facility at 125 W. Washington St. was witnessed by a Bogart man who called 911 and stayed with Tyler until help arrived.
“We also know this miracle would not be possible if it were not for the quick actions of the first responders, trauma team at Piedmont Athens Regional and the witness who saw the accident and stayed with Tyler until help arrived. We will be eternally indebted to each of you!” Melissa said in her post.
She added, “To the amazing doctors and nurses who have taken care of Tyler around the clock this week, we are forever grateful for you and the care you gave to help Tyler come home.”
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department investigated the fall and concluded it was accidental.