My Girlfriend Begged Me Not to Go to Work—Then Came the Explosion

On August 25, 2025, Emma, my girlfriend at the time, pleaded with me not to head to work that day. We had been dating for a short while and enjoyed spending time together. I was a former homebody, but Emma inspired a more lively, adventurous side of me. Eventually, I went out as per our usual routine. I reported to my job as a deckhand at a drilling rig. The team and I followed our routine, preparing for a cement plug. Everything seemed normal, yet that day would drastically change our lives.

When the cement arrived, we started setting up the equipment and mixing and pumping the cement. Just as we began to circulate the fluids, we detected a kick, which rapidly escalated into a violent pressure pushing up the wellbore. An on-site vehicle accelerated its engine at a higher rate than it was designed for. The explosion that ensued engulfed everything on the site in flames.

As I was standing right over the well head, I was thrown 15 feet, landing on rocks and losing consciousness. Upon waking, I noticed my shirt was burned off my skin. Despite my efforts to stop, drop, and roll, the flames persisted. I had to decide between staying near the wreckage or jumping off the embankment, stripping my remaining clothes and escaping.

As I waited to see if others were still alive, my skin was literally falling off my body. Our fellow crew member was unconscious near the burning wreckage. I was among the most severely burned, and I was rushed to Mariette Memorial Hospital, where I lost consciousness after being assessed. I was then transferred to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for specialized care.

Over the course of a year, I underwent 20 surgeries and spent 134 days in the hospital. I struggled with severe mental health issues, but my wife's encouragement helped me accept the severity of my condition. Despite the physical and emotional toll, I remain determined to fight and help others.