CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. — A 27-year-old employee at a West Michigan animal adventure park was critically hurt in a workplace accident earlier this month.
The Kent County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded to Deer Tracks Junction Adventure Park just after 3:30 p.m. on April 19.
Deputies believe the worker, identified as Tyler Powell, was on a ladder in the giraffe enclosure when the giraffe hit the ladder, causing him to fall.
He was rushed to an area hospital with severe injuries.
The owner of Deer Tracks Junction Kelly Powell, who is Tyler's father, told 13 ON YOUR SIDE there were no animals in the enclosure at the time of the fall.
He called it a "simple ladder accident," without going into any more details. He said he was in the enclosure with Tyler when it happened.
Since that day, Deer Tracks Junction Adventure Park has shared a few updates on his condition.
"We are reaching out to our community for prayer. Tyler, who is a son, father, husband, and a critical component to this business, had an accident on Friday, April 19th. He is in critical condition in the ICU with a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). We are living in a world of unknowns, and we are reaching out to you all for prayer. Pray for healing and strength for Tyler," the business said on Facebook.
Friends of the employee shared a GoFundMe fundraising account to raise money for his medical bills.
"There are no words to describe how we feel and how grateful we are for this supportive community. If you would all join us in praying for Tyler, we would be so thankful," the fundraiser said.
13 ON YOUR SIDE reached out to Deer Tracks Junction Adventure Park for comment. We've not yet heard back.
Deer Tracks Junction is currently closed for the season, but their website indicates they open around Memorial Day weekend, weather permitting.
The park shared earlier in April they plan to debut a new giraffe named Puzzles. The owner said they park now has a pair of giraffes.
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