Redmond Celebrates Injured Teen’s Recovery

If you’ve ever tried to define what community and friendship is, the scene outside Redmond High School Monday night would be a good place to start. It was a night of food, laughs and, most importantly, homecoming.

A teen’s freak accident just over a week ago united both the school and the community behind him. and on Monday night, Kyle Reed was welcomed home from the hospital with a potluck party.

Just eight days earlier, the 18-year-old senior was out hunting with friends near Culver when he was shocked and nearly electrocuted by a power line after he lifted an irrigation pipe.

Reed was flown first to St. Charles Medical Center-Bend, then to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland, where doctors chilled his body to 93 degrees and placed him in a drug-induced coma, fearing brain damage or other serious impacts from the big jolt.

But while his friends and classmates have been rallying to support him. Reed was making what many called a miraculous recovery, and after getting back home, his family said he’s almost back to normal.

After the accident, Reed’s friends and the Redmond community rallied with fundraisers and prayers.

“It just shows you what a special place Redmond is, and what a special kid Kyle is,” said another family friend, Chris Dahlen. “He’s, you know, one of those special men that doesn’t come around very often. He’s hard-working, very involved — just a great young man.”

When Reed awakened last week and soon became angry he was missing finals and couldn’t wait to get out of the hospital, many prayers were answered.

“He is a walking miracle,” Tucker said. “And it’s just so amazing he’s here, and I’m so glad he’s here.”

Dahlen said, “Kyle is a fighter and a winner. and he’s always been that kind of guy. And so it’s tremendous. I couldn’t be happier for him and his family.”

Students told us their efforts to help raise money for Kyle’s medical bills already has generated about $6,000. The family also has been getting help through a donation account at U.S. Bank, in Kyle Reed’s name.

As for the young man at the center of it all, Kyle Reed told us he has been overwhelmed by the community support and is ready to get back to normal.