You see how quickly life can change when a single moment goes wrong. A young father was doing his job when a falling tree branch struck his head and left him paralyzed, and this post walks through what happened, how his community rallied, and what comes next for him and his family. You’ll learn the key facts of the accident, the immediate medical and practical challenges he faces, and how others are stepping in to help.
This piece digs into the circumstances around the incident, the impact on his daily life and work, and the support systems forming around him. Expect clear, factual updates and ways you can understand or help as the story unfolds.
The Accident That Changed Everything
A falling dead branch struck a young tree worker in Lawrenceville, leaving him with catastrophic neck trauma. Emergency crews moved quickly, and he was flown to a hospital where doctors confirmed paralysis from the shoulders down.
What Happened in Lawrenceville
Evan Parker was working on a tree removal job in Lawrenceville when a roughly 25-pound dead branch detached and struck his head and neck. Coworkers say he wore a helmet, which likely prevented a fatal outcome, but the force still crushed his cervical spine.
The branch fell while he was positioned under or near the canopy during cutting operations. Eyewitness accounts describe the accident as sudden and severe, with colleagues calling 911 immediately. The employer and family have said Parker was an experienced arborist and a young father, working to provide for his child.
Immediate Response and Hospitalization
Colleagues initiated emergency procedures on site and paramedics arrived within minutes. Medics stabilized his airway and cervical spine before transporting him to Northside Gwinnett Hospital for urgent care. Reports indicate he received advanced life support and imaging on arrival.
Family members and the employer coordinated with hospital staff while friends set up a fundraiser. He remained hospitalized for evaluation and early rehabilitation planning. Medical teams prioritized respiratory support and spinal assessment given the mechanism of injury.
The Severity of Injuries and Diagnosis
Doctors determined the impact caused a high cervical spinal cord injury, leaving him paralyzed from the shoulders down and classified as a quadriplegic. Imaging showed significant damage to the cervical vertebrae and spinal cord compression, requiring intensive care and ongoing rehabilitation.
His prognosis will depend on surgical outcomes, spinal cord swelling, and rehab response. He has required ventilatory support at times and will need long-term mobility equipment, home modifications, and specialized therapies. Family statements and local reports emphasize the immediate financial and logistical challenges they now face.
Community Support and Road Ahead
Neighbors, co-workers and local businesses have stepped up with donations, events and practical help. Immediate needs focus on hospital bills and short-term housing or transport; long-term needs will center on home modifications and specialized equipment.
Family and Friends Rally Together
Friends and family organized shifts to sit with him at Northside Hospital Gwinnett and to care for his 1-year-old son, June. They coordinated meal trains, childcare, and rides to medical appointments to reduce daily strain on his parents.
Colleagues from his tree crew and neighbors set up a schedule to mow the lawn, handle pet care, and manage bills so the family can focus on medical decisions. Dakota Roberts, a former co-worker, publicly pledged to donate a percentage of his company’s earnings to help cover immediate expenses.
They also handle communications: one person posts updates to a GoFundMe and local social pages, another fields media requests, and a small team organizes local fundraising events to maximize community turnout.
Fundraisers and Financial Challenges
A GoFundMe campaign lists a $100,000 goal to cover surgeries, rehabilitation and equipment; it had raised tens of thousands by Feb. 25, 2026. Organizers emphasize transparency, posting expense updates and receipts to build trust with donors.
Local businesses are pitching in. Dakota Roberts and Southern Roots Tree Service and Grading pledged recurring donations; fellow arborists donated tools and labor to offset lost income while the family copes. A car, bike and truck show fundraiser is planned for May 16 in Winder to bring in more cash.
Insurance limits mean out-of-pocket costs will likely remain high. Organizers recommend donors earmark funds for rehabilitation, home accessibility work, and ongoing medical supplies so money goes where need is greatest.
Long-Term Needs and Rehabilitation
Medical teams project months to years of intensive rehab focused on maximizing independence and preventing complications. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management will be routine parts of care.
The family will need major home modifications: ramps, widened doorways, an accessible bathroom, and ceiling-mounted hoists. They also must buy specialized mobility equipment such as power wheelchairs, pressure-relief cushions, and adaptive vehicle controls.
Care planning includes vocational rehab and counseling for both the young dad and his partner to adapt to income changes and parenting with new care needs. Fundraising organizers list vendors and installation contacts to expedite purchases and quotes for contractors who understand accessibility standards.
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