A British tourist from Birmingham who was fighting for his life after a truck ran over his head has been taken off life support. Ethan Lacey, 20, sustained critical injuries when he fell from a moving pickup truck at a junction in Pattaya, Thailand.
Family's Heartbreaking Decision
Ethan's mother, Kerry, 41, revealed that she only learned of her son's condition when a fellow traveler sent her a photo of him in intensive care. She had not heard from Ethan for two days, and a friend in Thailand had reported him missing to police. Ethan's father, Kevin, 40, received the distressing image via Facebook Messenger last Monday. The couple immediately flew to Thailand and have been at his bedside ever since.
Medical Situation
After initial treatment at a hospital with neurosurgeons, medics requested fresh scans due to internal bleeding. The results showed that Ethan was not expected to recover significantly, and his only chance of survival would leave him bedridden. Doctors informed the family that they could choose to withdraw life support. At 1:45 PM on May 27, Ethan's life support was removed. He is now breathing independently and has been moved to a palliative care ward.
Details of the Incident
According to eyewitnesses, Ethan emerged from a vehicle window and his head struck the ground forcefully before the rear tire ran over his head and shoulder. He suffered three brain hemorrhages and a punctured lung, requiring a drain. The family is raising funds to bring him back to the UK.
Family's Account
Kerry explained that they had been in regular contact with Ethan during his travels. After not hearing from him for two days, she became worried. On Monday morning, a friend of Ethan's called via Facebook Messenger, and Kerry asked for a photo, which confirmed her worst fears. She, Kevin, and Ethan's nan flew to Thailand immediately.
Ethan had been traveling through Bangkok before heading to Pattaya. He was last seen at a nightclub prior to the incident on May 17. Witnesses gave conflicting accounts of whether he was thrown from the vehicle or jumped out while it was moving. The family is now focused on bringing Ethan home.
