Teen Welcomed Home After Ice Cave Fall
Dec 6, 2019, 9:20 AM | Updated: 1:25 pm
HOOPER, Utah – Dozens braved the cold of a December evening Thursday to welcome home a teen who fell into an ice cave earlier this year.
The boy was severely injured and faced a lengthy recovery, but he finally got the OK from doctors to leave Primary Children’s Hospital after nearly six months and return home.
Friends and family welcomed Cannon Cooper back home after he spent 6 months in Primary Children’s Hospital. (Photo: Andrew Adams)
“We’re witnessing the miracle of prayer firsthand,” Cannon’s mother Lu Ann Cooper said. “I don’t think we should hide that. I think we should let everybody know that there is so much power in prayer and there is so much power in numbers.”
Large numbers turned out to the family’s house, where many held signs and all cheered when the minivan transporting Cannon from the hospital arrived around 6 p.m.
“The faith in the community that we have right now is just what has brought everybody,” Jennifer Gardner said. “We love the Cooper family and we’re just super happy that he’s home!”
The teen’s family said the fast response from the group’s leaders and other teens after the fall made a huge difference and likely saved his life.
Cayden Boyack was one of the teens who rushed to Cannon’s aid and constructed a stretcher to carry him.
“I sacrificed my jacket to tie the stretcher up, and then a couple of us ran a couple miles to go get service to call,” he said. “And it all just (came) together pretty good. He’s just been through so much, and he’ll get to see his friends, family and relatives again — just really cool.”
As Cannon was assisted out of the minivan, more cheers erupted.
“Everybody was rooting for you; so many more people were praying for you,” Lu Ann Cooper told her son. “You did it! You got home!”
The family said they were grateful for all the prayers and love from the community.
“The support has been amazing and to finally have him home — it just feels surreal,” Cooper said.
