Life can change in an instant. One moment, everything seems ordinary, and then, without warning, something can happen that alters the course of everything. For Lucas Shoffner, a 31-year-old reserve deputy, his life was forever changed on the night of August 1st, when a car crash put both his and his wife Nicole’s lives in grave danger.
At around 11:17 p.m. that evening, Lucas and Nicole were on the side of the road in the middle of an ordinary task—trying to fix a dirt bike. The couple, who were close to home, had no idea that their lives were about to take an unexpected and tragic turn. The driver of a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado, 31-year-old Raymond Surber, was off-duty, and though the exact circumstances leading up to the crash are unclear, the impact was devastating.
As the truck barreled toward them, Lucas acted without hesitation. He pushed his wife out of the way, saving her life but placing himself directly in the path of the vehicle. In doing so, he sustained severe injuries, while Nicole, though injured, was spared the worst. Lucas was struck by the vehicle with enough force that his injuries were life-threatening, including trauma to his head. He was rushed to the UT Medical Center, where he was immediately placed in a medically induced coma, as doctors worked to stabilize him.
Nicole, though suffering minor injuries, was overwhelmed by what had just occurred. Her husband, who had risked everything to protect her, was fighting for his life, and the emotional toll was immense. But amid the chaos and heartbreak, Lucas’ bravery became clear. He had not only saved her from severe harm, but his selflessness in the moment demonstrated a deep, unwavering love.
The news of the incident quickly spread, and Lucas’ fellow deputies, friends, and family rallied around the couple in a show of support. Matt Fagiana, a close friend and colleague, spoke publicly about Lucas’ character, emphasizing his strength and kindness. He described Lucas as “kind, loyal, funny, and as strong as a damn ox,” while calling for prayers and support for the Shoffner family. “If anyone deserves a second chance at life, it’s this guy,” Fagiana added.
The outpouring of support was overwhelming. Within days, a GoFundMe campaign was set up to help cover the couple’s mounting medical expenses. The initial goal was set at $100,000, and within a short time, nearly $93,000 was raised, reflecting the deep love and respect people had for the Shoffners. Many of those who donated and offered their prayers shared messages of hope and encouragement for Lucas, understanding that he was not only fighting to recover physically but was also surrounded by a community determined to see him through.
While Nicole focused on being there for Lucas, her own recovery and healing were also a priority. The emotional toll of watching her husband, the man who had saved her life, lay unconscious was profound. But despite the pain and uncertainty, she was determined to remain strong for both of them. Nicole frequently updated their supporters on social media, sharing their journey and the progress Lucas was making, while also expressing her gratitude for the support they had received.
After 23 long days in a coma, Lucas finally awoke. His doctors began assessing his condition, and though his recovery would be long and difficult, the signs were positive. Lucas was transferred to a rehabilitation facility in Atlanta, where he began his journey of recovery in earnest. The road ahead was filled with challenges, but Lucas’ strength and determination were evident as he worked tirelessly with physical therapists to regain mobility and strength.
One of the most poignant moments in Lucas’ recovery came when he managed to walk 200 steps at the rehabilitation center. Nicole was there, celebrating with him, and this milestone was a moment of pure joy amid the hardship. It was a reminder that despite the heavy toll of the crash, Lucas had not lost his will to fight. His recovery, though still ongoing, was a testament to his resilience, and it brought hope to all those who had been following his story.
As the months have passed, the Shoffners have continued to make progress. Though Lucas’ recovery is far from complete, he has shown time and time again that he is a fighter. Nicole remains by his side, a steadfast source of love and encouragement. Their friends, family, and even strangers who had heard their story continue to support them in any way they can, whether through donations, words of encouragement, or prayers.
What happened to Lucas Shoffner is not just a story of a tragic accident. It is a story of incredible bravery, of a man willing to sacrifice everything for the woman he loved. It is a story of resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity and the power of community in times of crisis. Lucas’ selfless act of love and his ongoing recovery serve as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest acts of heroism are not found on battlefields or in grand gestures, but in the quiet, courageous decisions that people make to protect those they hold most dear.
Through it all, one thing is clear: Lucas and Nicole Shoffner’s love for each other has carried them through one of the most difficult chapters of their lives. Their journey is far from over, but their story is already inspiring countless others. And if there’s one thing we can all learn from this extraordinary couple, it’s that love is worth fighting for—and sometimes, it can save a life.
