Presley Whitaker, the wife of college rodeo coach Kyle Whitaker, is on the road to recovery after suffering a life-altering injury.
On May 5th, Kyle, who serves as the head coach of the Montana State University rodeo team, shared a post on social media to let people know that Presley was seriously hurt in a freak accident the day prior (May 4th).
As Kyle explained, “Presley got a rope wrapped around her arm and was drug around [by a horse] until she hit a fence, which broke her jaw and severed her hand.”
Presley was flown to Salt Lake City, where they attempted to reattach her hand. Unfortunately, it was too severely damaged to save.
Kyle said Presley would remain in Salt Lake City to have jaw surgery and “more work done on the [hand] amputation.” He asked the rodeo community to pray for her strength as she adjusts to her new life without her right hand.
Kyle also thanked those who helped Presley after the accident, saying, “It was a gruesome scene and they handled it like pros, I love this whole team so much.”
Nearly a month after the accident, Presley has finally returned home from the hospital. On May 29th, Kyle shared a post with some pictures of Presley smiling in front of a small plane. He wrote:
“After 24 days in the hospital, Presley finally got to come home yesterday! Special thanks to Mark Bretz from Bretz RV for providing the plane to cut down the travel time and get Presley home to our girls!”
Kyle let everyone in the rodeo community know how much they appreciate the prayers and support they’ve received over the past month.
“…we could use your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the upcoming days,” he said. “For now, it’s good to have her home again!”
Look below to see Kyle Whitaker’s post about Presley’s return home!
How The Rodeo Community Has Stepped Up To Help The Whitakers After Presley’s Accident
In the wake of Presley Whitaker’s accident, the rodeo community jumped into action to help her, Kyle, and their young daughters, Oakley and Mesa.
The Montana State University Rodeo Chute Boss Club set up a GiveSmart account to assist the family. They said, “funds will be allocated to an account solely used for this purpose [of helping the Whitakers] and will be distributed directly to the Whitakers.”
You can donate to that fund on this website or write a check payable to CRSA with the note “Whitaker Benefit” on the memo line. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 10424, Bozeman, MT 59719.
Additionally, a GoFundMe for the Whitakers has been established by Presley’s best friend, Allexa. She shared an update on the fundraiser page the day Presley returned home, writing:
“She’s such a strong woman! She’s so excited to be home with her girls and Kyle. Her dad Steve is also out there to help take some of the stress of being home off of her. Now the true recovery comes…Prayers to Presley’s recovery and adjusting to life at home and with the girls!”
You can visit the GoFundMe page for the Whitakers here.
We join the many people who are praying for Presley throughout her recovery. Our hearts go out to her, Kyle, and their daughters.
