Family says injured Jones County firefighter will be removed from life support

Brett McMichael, a 35-year Jones County volunteer firefighter, was injured June 26 while cutting grass at a cemetery in Juliette.

JULIETTE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The family of a Jones County volunteer firefighter critically injured when a cemetery monument fell on him says he will be removed from life support Thursday.

52-year-old Brett McMichael was injured June 26 while cutting grass at the cemetery of Juliette United Methodist Church, according to a GoFundMe created by his family.

The GoFundMe says McMichael, his father and another person were trying to level a monument on a gravesite using a strap so they could mow around the area when the monument gave way and struck him.

McMichael was airlifted to a Macon hospital, where he was admitted to the neurological ICU.

According to the GoFundMe, McMichael was on a ventilator and underwent surgery to remove part of his skull to relieve pressure on his brain. The family also said he had two broken vertebrae in his neck, a fractured or possibly broken ankle and would need facial reconstruction surgeries and other procedures.

A GoFundMe spokesperson said McMichael is a 35-year volunteer firefighter with the Jones County Fire Department.

An update on the page Tuesday said the family met with Brett McMichael’s medical team on Monday to discuss his prognosis and expected quality of life.

“After many heartfelt conversations, difficult prayers, and with heavy hearts, the decision was made to remove Brett from life support this Thursday,” the update said.

The fundraiser remains active to help McMichael’s wife with medical expenses, funeral costs and other financial challenges.

According to the GoFundMe, his wife lives with chronic lung disease and requires oxygen 24 hours a day. The family says Brett McMichael was her primary caregiver and source of support.

As of Tuesday, the fundraiser had raised $12,950.