Deputy Lucas Shoffner saved his wife’s life by pushing her out of the path of an oncoming truck. Now, he’s fighting for his own life after 23 days in a coma. Read the full story of courage and love.
Sometimes, love means risking everything. For one Tennessee deputy, that moment came on a quiet roadside — and he didn’t hesitate.
Deputy Lucas Shoffner and his wife Nicole were pulled over, working on a dirt bike, when disaster struck. A pickup truck came speeding toward them late at night. In that instant, Lucas pushed his wife out of the way — saving her life, but taking the full impact himself.
🚨 What Happened?
The crash occurred at around 11:17 p.m. on August 1, when 31-year-old Raymond Surber, driving a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado, lost control and slammed into the couple.
Lucas and Nicole, both Reserve Deputies with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), were off-duty at the time.
While both were injured, Lucas suffered the most serious injuries — including trauma to the head. Nicole, though injured, was able to speak with paramedics and stayed by his side throughout the ordeal.
🏥 Critical Condition and a Medically Induced Coma
Lucas was rushed to UT Medical Center, where doctors placed him in a medically induced coma in the Transplant Intensive Care Unit. Nicole was taken to Fort Sanders Hospital for a head CT and x-rays. Thankfully, her injuries were minor compared to her husband’s.
“Let’s start praying for our buddy,” said Matt Fagiana, a colleague of Lucas. “He’s kind, loyal, funny, and strong as an ox. If anyone deserves a second chance, it’s this guy.”
💰 Community Support Pours In
As the couple faced mounting medical bills, friends and family launched a GoFundMe, setting a goal of $100,000. Within days, donations soared past $93,000, with messages of support flooding in from all over the country.
Nicole publicly thanked everyone who donated and sent prayers, saying:
“You’ve helped us in more ways than we can ever express. Thank you for believing in Lucas.”
🌅 A Miracle in the Making
After 23 days in a coma, Lucas finally woke up — and began the long road to recovery. He was later moved to a rehabilitation center in Atlanta, where he continues to make progress.
According to Nicole’s updates on Instagram, Lucas recently walked 200 steps with assistance — a milestone that gave hope to everyone rooting for his recovery.
“He’s a fighter. A real-life hero,” Nicole wrote. “I’m so proud of him every single day.”
❤️ A Selfless Act of Love
Lucas’s story is a reminder of what love and bravery truly look like. In a split-second decision, he risked — and nearly lost — everything to protect the woman he loves.
His story has inspired thousands and serves as a powerful example of courage, selflessness, and hope.
💬 Be Part of the Journey
Please share Lucas Shoffner’s inspiring story with your friends, family, and community. Let his bravery be a light for others going through difficult times.
You can also follow Nicole’s updates and support the couple through their GoFundMe campaign.
