Disclaimer: This article contains information about a criminal act and may be distressing for some readers. Please read at your own discretion.
On June 1, at 8:30 a.m., Hunter Austin from Minter was working on the production line at Hwashin America Corporation in Greenville.
Unfortunately, the 300-ton press he operated came down on his right arm and hand, crushing both.
Austin’s wife, RayAnn Neamon, recently nominated him for the My Dad, My Hero sweepstakes run by The Greenville Advocate’s sister newspaper, The Lowndes Signal.
According to the source, she did this because of the selfless way he cares for her and their sons James, 1, and Hunter Jr., 3.
Neamon said Austin always thinks of his family’s welfare, and the accident made her realize how much he puts his family’s needs above his own. “On his way to Baptist South Hospital, his concern wasn’t about what was going on with him or the pain he was in,” Neamon said.
“It was about how he was going to work to pay our bills to take care of me and his children. After an almost six-hour surgery and losing two fingers, this amazing man’s only concern was how he was going to hold our newborn and pick up our children.”
Austin expressed pride in knowing his family understands his care for them and sees him as their hero. “I think pride is the best way I can put it at this time,” he said.
“I don’t really have any other words than that. I’m just joyful that they view me in that way.”
Since the accident, Austin has been learning to use his hand again and is unsure when or if he will be able to return to production work.
But despite recent challenges, he is motivated to stay positive as an example to his children. “Just watching the smile on your children’s faces, that pushes you through the day, even the hardest days,” he said.
The couple is expecting their third child in October. Austin said he understands the vital role he plays for his children.
“I have these boys who will look at me and if I’m not joyful, they sense it and they feed off of it,” Austin said. “Not a lot of people think dads are vital.”
Neamon, however, understands the importance of fathers, especially seeing her husband after his accident.
Read more news:
- Biden Campaign Mobilizes Across Georgia Ahead of Debate Clash
- Kristi Noem Denies Formal Vetting for Trump’s VP, Focuses on Winning Strategy
“As the mother of our children, who had to see him in that hospital room, I wish a lot of people wouldn’t take fathers for granted as much as they do,” Neamon said.
“My kids almost didn’t have a dad. It could have been a lot worse. So, I wish people wouldn’t take for granted the time they get to spend with their children.”