DESOTO COUNTY, MS -
(WMC-TV) - A DeSoto County community is mourning the death of a father as they pray for the recovery of his injured son.
Investigators say a drunk driver is responsible for the crash that killed Timothy Brigman, an ER nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto Hospital. The same crash sent his 6-year-old son to LeBonheur Children's Hospital with serious injuries.
First responders at the crash site did not know the Brigman family, but they created wristbands for the community to wear to band together for 6-year-old Ryan, who continues his long road to recovery without his father.
Ribbons and flowers mark the spot of the accident, which first responder Shawn Witt is trying to forget.
"I currently detour around the scene personal preference I don't want to be there unless I have to right now," said Shawn Witt, Love Fire Department.
Brigman's wife, Linsey, is now left alone to raise Ryan and their three other children.
First responders from the Love fire department designed and purchased 2,000 bracelets for Ryan's recovery. Many have gone to the ER where both Timothy and Linsey worked.
Emergency Room Director Debbie Stubblefield has been keeping up with Linsey as she stays by her son's side.
"Every hurdle is such a great thing. I got a picture the other night of Linsey getting to hold him for the first time, and the smile on her face was amazing cause we've not seen that smile for awhile," said Stubblefield.
Through wristbands and Facebook donations, the community is coming together to support a family that, as E.R. nurses, have helped so many others.
"Could you imagine how the mother is going to raise four children on her own, and our theory is she won't have to," said Witt.
Robert Shawn Hunt is now charged with DUI death, and he is out on a $750,000 bond.
Action News 5's Michael Clark went by his home Friday afternoon, and a person who identified themselves as a family member said they had no statement.
To learn about how you can help and show your support for Ryan as he recovers, click here.
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Timothy Brigman
Ryan Brigman
The Brigman family
Robert Shawn Hunt
