Crews stabilized Philip Pohle’s neck before surgeons repaired a rare and often deadly injury.
HOCKING COUNTY, Ohio — A fast rescue at Hocking Hills State Park helped save a maintenance worker who suffered a rare internal decapitation while clearing fallen trees from a park roadway in March.
Philip Pohle, 32, was operating a front loader when his foot became stuck on the gas pedal and a tree branch struck his neck. The branch pushed with enough force to separate his skull from his spine internally, a condition doctors said many patients do not survive.
State natural resource officers stabilized Pohle’s neck with a brace while other crews cut away the tree with a chainsaw. The rescue unfolded under difficult conditions. An ambulance was about 20 minutes away, and a medical helicopter could not fly because of the weather. Pohle remained trapped in the machine as crews worked to free him without causing more damage.
Pohle was taken to Grant Medical Center in Columbus, where surgeons repaired the injury using plates, screws and rods. Dr. Victor Awuor, a neurosurgeon, said about half of patients with that type of injury die at the scene. He said many who survive long enough to reach a hospital are paralyzed.
Pohle’s recovery surprised doctors. Less than a month after the accident, he was walking without help. He said the presence of other workers made the difference. Pohle said he probably would not have survived if he had been alone when the accident happened.
The injury also left Pohle thinking about his two young children. “Love deeply and have a grace with people,” Pohle said after the accident. “Be patient, be kind. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.” His family has since received support through a fundraiser created to help cover medical bills.
Pohle remains in recovery and hopes to return to work after the March accident. Doctors have described his progress as extraordinary.
Author note: Last updated July 6, 2026.