Hit-and-run survivor in Arcadia forgives driver despite life-changing injuries

ARCADIA, Fla. —

Ryan Thomas is adjusting to life after a hit-and-run accident in Arcadia on Jan. 21, where a pickup truck crashed into his motorcycle and fled the scene. Thomas was taken to Gulf Coast Medical Center as a trauma alert, and his immediate thoughts were of his family.

“The first thing is, you know, call my kids, call their mother, and tell them that I love them all. My mom, so I could tell her that I love her. But at the same time, I didn't want to have to make that phone call because I didn't want the heartbreak to happen to them,” Thomas said.

Eight days after the crash, the Florida Highway Patrol impounded the truck involved, but the driver remains at large.

Today, Thomas's leg is amputated below the knee, his hand is broken with several pins in place, and he cannot move his other hand. Despite these challenges, his spirit remains strong.

“The message is, I know that it can be tough, but try to find your blessings where they're at. Focus on the positives that you know,” Thomas said.

Although Thomas does not know who crashed into him, he has a message for the driver.

“Just know that I forgive you. You know I still love you, have no hate in my heart. And then I hope that, you know, you can realize I serve a God who forgives. And if he forgives me for everything that I've done wrong, who am I not to forgive you?” he said.

Thomas expressed gratitude to everyone at Gulf Coast Medical, OPC Prosthetics, the officers who helped save his life, and Encompass.

He remains optimistic about his recovery journey, saying, “I understand that it's going to be a long road to recovery, but it's not anything that can't be adjusted to. Like, I'm still here, able to be a brother, a cousin, an uncle, a son, but most importantly, a father to my three kids.”

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