A family outing in Blue Ridge, Georgia, turned into a terrifying ordeal for the Guy family when their three-year-old son, Neyland, was struck by a vehicle in a supermarket parking lot. This distressing event occurred on June 13, when Gayge Guy and his family made a stop at Ingles Markets to gather ingredients so Neyland’s grandmother could bake him a birthday cake.
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On that fateful day, Guy, along with his wife Madison and their three children, had just picked up a box of cake mix for Neyland’s upcoming birthday celebration. After completing their shopping, the family began to exit the store. As they walked towards their vehicle, Neyland, who was holding his mother’s hand, suddenly broke free and dashed towards the back of the shop.
His father immediately realised Neyland was missing and began searching the aisles for his son. In a sudden twist of fate, a store employee rushed in, shouting, “Oh my God, he got hit!” The panic gripped Guy as he rushed outside, where he found Neyland lying on the ground, with Madison in distress nearby. Concerned shoppers gathered around, advising the couple against moving Neyland, who had been struck by both the front and rear of a Ford Explorer.
The local police were quick to respond to the accident. Officer Michael Bingnear, who has extensive experience in traffic-related investigations, arrived on the scene to assess the situation. He noted that despite the severity of the accident, Neyland’s condition was surprisingly stable. The driver involved, a woman in her 60s, remained at the scene and, after an investigation, it was revealed that she would not face any criminal charges.
Neyland was transported by ambulance to a helicopter and subsequently airlifted to Erlanger Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His parents rushed to the hospital, filled with anxiety but hopeful for their son’s recovery. Remarkably, Neyland spent only one night in hospital before being discharged on his third birthday, suffering just a concussion from the incident. Gayge expressed immense gratitude for their son’s swift recovery and shared a sense of renewed appreciation for his family.
“This incident has definitely made me more grateful for my children,” Gayge remarked. He elaborated that he had been grappling with his faith prior to the event, and this ordeal has contributed to a significant shift in his perspective. Neyland’s recovery was seen by Officer Bingnear as miraculous, reflecting on how such events often make people consider the role of divine intervention in their lives.
In the aftermath, the family has adopted new safety measures while shopping. They now prioritise keeping their children secure in shopping carts, affectionately referred to as “buggies,” and have invested in a leash backpack for Neyland to prevent any similar incidents in the future.
Reflecting on their experiences, Gayge stated, “We’re still very much learning as we go as young parents.” The family is looking forward to celebrating Neyland and his younger brother Colton’s upcoming birthdays with renewed appreciation for the moments that matter most.
As the Guy family moves forward, they remain focused on cherishing their time together while implementing strategies to ensure their children’s safety in public spaces. This incident, while traumatic, has ultimately brought them closer together and instilled a deeper sense of gratitude for their family life.