Sometimes fate strikes without warning. No one can predict what twist of destiny awaits on any given day. A married couple found themselves roadside when a vehicle suddenly hurtled toward them at dangerous speed.
In that crucial moment, the devoted husband made an instinctive choice that would preserve his wife’s life. Unfortunately, his own fate would take a much darker turn…
On August 1st, 31-year-old Raymond Surber was traveling off-duty in his 2017 Chevrolet Silverado when he collided with a young married pair positioned alongside the roadway. ACSO Reserve Deputies Lucas and Nicole Shoffner had stopped to repair a dirt bike when Surber’s vehicle struck them both.
The collision occurred at approximately 11:17 p.m. Both spouses suffered injuries from the impact, though Lucas bore the more devastating consequences.
Matt Fagiana from the Law Enforcement Executive Development Association publicly revealed that Lucas thrust his wife away from danger, absorbing the worst of the collision’s force. Fagiana credits Lucas’ heroic instincts with preserving his wife’s survival.
“Please keep our friend in your prayers. If anyone deserves another shot at living, it’s him. He’s compassionate, devoted, hilarious, and tough as nails,” Fagiana declared. “You’ve got this, Lucas, and Nicole has our complete support through every moment of this journey.”
Nicole received emergency transport to Fort Sanders for head CT scans and X-ray examinations. Meanwhile, Lucas suffered severe cranial trauma and was admitted to UT Medical Center’s Transplant Intensive Care Unit for critical treatment. Medical staff placed Lucas in an induced coma, later gradually reducing paralytic medications while maintaining sedation.
Nicole’s injuries proved relatively minor compared to her husband’s critical condition. She remained steadfast at his bedside, championing every phase of his healing process. Close friends established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with mounting medical bills.
Their fundraising target of $100,000 generated over $93,000 in donations. Nicole expressed profound gratitude to every contributor and supporter, including those offering prayers for the couple’s recovery.
Following 23 days of unconsciousness, Lucas finally emerged from his coma, with physicians confirming positive signs of improvement. Reports indicate Lucas would transfer to an Atlanta rehabilitation facility to continue his healing journey.
Based on Nicole’s Instagram updates, Lucas’ progress appears encouraging. The ASCO deputy recently achieved walking 200 steps at the rehabilitation center, a milestone that brought his wife immense joy and celebration from their community.
Lucas sacrificed his own safety to protect his wife from mortal danger, suffering critical injuries in the process. This exemplifies genuine love—the kind that inspires complete selflessness.
Pass along Lucas Shoffner’s remarkable story of courage to those you care about!
