River diving accident leaves man paralyzed

According to EMS reports, Travis Adams, 34, dove off a dock on Harry Paul Road into shallow water around 8 p.m., striking his head. EMS director Dwayne Patton said EMS received the call at 8:01 p.m. and responded to the scene along with other emergency personnel.

Adams was immobilized while still in the water to prevent further injury and an Emory Life Flight helicopter transported him to Grady Healthcare in Atlanta, Patton said.

According to family friends, Adams is paralyzed from the chest down with only minimal nerve response in his arms and remains in intensive care at Grady Healthcare, with hopes to be transferred soon to Shepard Spinal Center in Atlanta for further treatment.

“The doctors are hopeful that with proper rehabilitation, Travis can regain function to his arms,” friend Lucinda Wiseman said. “This is why the benefit funds are so critical for him.”

In order to assist in his recovery, two funds have been established for he and his wife, Alisha Davis Adams. Merchant’s and Farmer’s Bank is accepting donations to the Travis Adams Benefit Fund, while the Travis L. Adams Fund has been set up at local BB&T branches.

“Your contribution to either fund will be greatly appreciated as well as your thoughts and prayers,” fund organizers said.

In addition, a “Fishless” Benefit Bass Tournament for Adams has been set for July 25, with weigh-in beginning at 4 p.m. at the Madison County Recreation Department. For details, contact Bond’s Marine at 706-795-0951 or Dan at 706-716-0284.

A raffle will also be held during this event, organizers said.