A 30-year old Southport man fell from a tree on October 16, while adjusting his deer stand and was seriously injured. The fall, of over 15 feet, crushed his C-6 and C-7 vertebrae and totally incapacitated Brandon Matthews. He lay on the ground for almost a day before being found.
Matthews fell at approximately 2:00 P.M. that Monday afternoon and was not found until Tuesday, when his father and friends searched for him. His fall and injuries initially paralyzed him from the neck down and he fell into a bed of fire ants. According to a family friend, Matthews’ cell phone was only a few feet away, but he was unable to reach it.
Several surgeries later, Matthews’ doctors believe he will regain use of his upper body, but remain doubtful of his probability to walk again. He is progressing reasonably well at New Hanover Regional Medical Center and plans are in progress to transfer him to Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta, Georgia, as soon as he can handle the trip.
Matthews is well-known as an excellent fisherman and was honored as the US Anglers Association Inshore Angler of the Year in 2001. He works in his family’s business, New Tech Metals, but fishing and the outdoors are his first love.
Matthews’ friends have started an ongoing message board at http://www.carepages.com/. There is a short and simple membership process, but once logged in, his progress is updated regularly on his page, brandonmatthews. Friends can also leave messages for Matthews on this page.
Several friends have also planned a barbeque dinner to raise funds to help Matthews’ family cover basic living costs while they are with him in Atlanta. The barbeque dinner will be held Friday, November 3, in the parking lot at the Lucky Fisherman Restaurant on Long Beach Road in Southport.
Kerri Trayah, who is heading up the barbeque, asks that folks please call in and order their plates. They are hoping to minimize waste and will only prepare a small amount over the advance orders. The number to contact Trayah is 910-294-2300. Orders may also be faxed to 910-869-1325. Both chopped pork and chicken plates are available. The cost is $6.50 each and delivery can be arranged for orders greater than 10 plates.
A trust account has also been started at BB&T Bank in Southport. Contributions may be made directly to the Brandon Matthews Fund at any Southport area BB&T. Out-of-town branches can contact Betty Knight or Pam Ferguson at 910-457-1443 (BB&T Southport) for details.
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