Kyle Hinkle was involved in a serious jet ski accident late in the evening on July 1st, 2008 at the north end of Devil’s Lake, Michigan, that resulted in a C5 burst fracture. The quick response of the Addison Fire Department and University of Michigan Flight Survival helicopter allowed Kyle to be transferred to the University of Michigan Medical Center Intensive Care Unit in Ann Arbor, within a short period of time following the accident. That evening, Kyle underwent a five-hour surgery to repair the injury site and stabilize his spinal cord (See ABOUT KYLE’S INJURY for details).

Kyle’s physical and mental strength, along with the support of family, friends, and people who had never met Kyle, has helped him fight through recovery. Just 5 days after the accident, Kyle was transferred from the ICU unit to the rehabilitation center; after one week Kyle started rehab to prevent further muscle atrophy; and 66 days later, Kyle was released from the hospital and allowed to go home.

Moving walls, adding electrical outlets and lights, installing  plumbing, and restructuring a living space for Kyle, with all the  materials necessary to complete the transformation, are some of the inside changes that family and good friends tackled in order to  prepare for Kyle's return to Devil's Lake.  In addition, a new  concrete ramp and wooden fence was built outside for easier access to  the house.

Both Kyle and the family have a long and difficult road ahead, and understand that these changes were just the beginning, and there will be more to come as time goes by. This website is designed to help inform those interested in keeping up with Kyle’s progress, as well as providing information for fundraising and donations on Kyle’s behalf.

The Hinkle Family greatly appreciates the efforts of the Addison Fire Department, U of M Flight Survival Team, the many, many volunteers who donated time to transform the home, donations for expenses, and the thoughts and kindness of the community and beyond.

Thank you.