03/11/2026
A Second Chance After a Devastating ATV Accident
For Kenneth Coleman of Harlem, Georgia, a routine day quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency.
On January 21, Kenneth was involved in a serious ATV accident that left him unconscious and critically injured. The vehicle rolled, ejecting him and causing significant trauma. He was rushed to the Emergency Room at Doctors Hospital, where the care team immediately began lifesaving treatment.
Kenneth suffered multiple traumatic injuries, including collapsed lungs, several fractured ribs, a fractured shoulder blade, and injuries to his vertebrae. The trauma was so severe that he remained in a coma for nearly three weeks while doctors allowed his brain and body time to heal.
For his wife, Shawn, the experience was overwhelming.
“I didn’t even know all the details at first,” Shawn said. “My daughter called me and told me to turn around and go straight to Doctors Hospital. I didn’t learn exactly what had happened until later, once the doctors were able to stabilize him.”
Kenneth spent a month in the Intensive Care Unit before continuing his recovery on the hospital’s second floor and later transferring to the sixth-floor rehabilitation unit. When he began to regain consciousness, he was facing weakness on his left side and double vision caused by the accident.
But with determination — and the support of his care team — Kenneth began making steady progress.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m here today by the grace of God and the staff here,” Kenneth said. “They push you, and that’s exactly what you need to get better.”
During his two weeks in rehabilitation, Kenneth worked closely with physical and occupational therapists who helped him rebuild his strength and mobility.
“They are very organized and committed,” he said. “If they say they’ll be there at 10 o’clock, they’re there — and they work you hard. That’s how you recover.”
Shawn stayed by his side throughout the journey, often sleeping in the hospital room so she could be there for him.
“Everyone has been incredible,” she said. “From the ER to the ICU, the second floor, and rehab — every department has taken such wonderful care of us.”
She is especially grateful for the physicians who cared for Kenneth in the ICU.
“The doctors truly went above and beyond their duties to take care of him,” Shawn said. “Dr. Pettiford, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Keely and Dr. Batey were all incredible. We are so thankful for the way they looked after him and kept us informed every step of the way.”
An artist, Shawn found a special way to express her gratitude. During their stay, she gifted several caregivers pieces from her personal art collection to thank them for the compassion and kindness they showed her family.
Now, after nearly six weeks in the hospital, Kenneth is preparing for the moment he has been waiting for most — going home.
“I’m a homebody,” he said with a smile. “So the thing I’m most looking forward to is just being back at home.”
The experience has also changed how he thinks about ATV safety.
“You’ve got to slow down,” Kenneth said. “Things can change your life in just a few seconds.”
Today, Kenneth continues his recovery with gratitude — for the care he received, the support of his wife, and the second chance he’s been given.
