Last week the Town of Rocky and Mayor Taylor Boyd recognized the heroism of two local young people whose efforts are credited with helping to save the life of 14-year-old Ryan Boyd.
Ryan Boyd was seriously injured earlier this month in an accident on his dirt bike in a field in Rocky, across the street from the home of Mary and Samuel Parkinson. Looking out of the window from their home, Mary and Samuel noticed Boyd lying injured on the ground after his accident. The two immediately notified their mother, Victoria Parkinson, and then went in search of help.
According to Mayor Boyd, the children went to every home they could reach, knocking on doors and trying to find someone who could report the accident to authorities while Victoria tended to Ryan while awaiting help. Boyd said she had been told that, without the Parkinsons’ intervention, Ryan might not have survived his injuries.
“I just want to say how proud we all are of these two young people,” Mayor Boyd said. “They really are heroes.”
Ryan Boyd was airlifted to OU Children’s Hospital, where he will likely remain for another week or two before he is transferred to a rehabilitation facility for up to another five or six weeks.
“Ryan was pretty seriously hurt,” Mayor Boyd said. “He had his third surgery today and will probably be in the hospital for another week or two weeks. After that he’ll go to a rehabilitation facility for five to six weeks. He’s got a long road in front of him.”
To help the Boyd family with the costs of that long road, a fund has been established at All American Bank in Sentinel, donations are being accepted there. Cordell’s Shorty’s Restaurant will be hosting a pancake supper benefit for the Boyd family from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27. The dining area of the restaurant is still closed due to the restrictions of COVID-19, but they will be serving meals both curbside and through the drive-up window.
“Our whole town, whole community, is coming together in this unfortunate situation,” Mayor Boyd said. “It just goes to show you that this is more than a small town, we’re all just one big family.”