Homecoming April 26 for Local Man Critically Injured in Hit-and-Run Accident
Saturday, April 26 will be a joyous day in Lake City, as Shad Barlow returns to town after a lengthy stint in a Craig, Colorado, rehabilitation center.52-year-old Barlow was struck by a vehicle January 24 on Gunnison Avenue and suffered fractures to his ribs, vertebrae and left arm, and was left unconscious in sub-zero temperatures, leaving him with severe frostbite.Barlow was thus rendered paralyzed and will need to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life, and it was uncertain whether he would be able to return to Lake City to live with his mother, Phyllis Bairrington. But Lake City being the amazing community that it is, local contractors volunteered their time, skills and materials to make renovations to Bairrington’s home so that it is now wheelchair-accessible.The community will be celebrating Barlow’s return to town on Saturday – time still to be determined, but expected to be late afternoon – with a welcome home celebration. Sheriff Starnes will be waiting outside of town for the approach of the vehicle and will lead the cavalcade into Lake City. Those wishing to attend the event are encouraged to follow updates regarding the time on Facebook’s Lake City Locals and Friends page.There will a multitude of ballons and yellow ribbons tied around trees, WORLD has been informed by Barlow’s former landlord, Tammy Nekoba. Residents are also encouraged to make welcome home posters, and a poster-making party will be held today – Friday, April 25 at the Arts Center from noon until 5:00 p.m. Folks are encouraged to bring their own materials, but the Arts Center does have some supplies as well.
