A pastor has been released from a local hospital after being rushed last week in critical condition – following a car accident that claimed the lives of his two school-aged daughters.
The violent crash in rural Clark County, Arkansas left driver’s youngest son – and beloved Crossroads Cowboy Church priest – Chad Fryar fighting for his life, the extent of his injuries still not specified.
Fryar’s truck was mangled after Thursday’s horror crash when a northbound train unexpectedly hit its passenger side as it passed a level crossing.
After the initial impact, the locomotive dragged the truck for around half a mile, while the 37-year-old and the beloved figure’s young family members were trapped inside.
After inspecting the wreckage, cops quickly discerned that Fryar’s daughters, Marley Jo and Dana Kate, did not survive – while his son, Bo Henry, underwent emergency surgery.
Chad Fryar’s two daughters were killed when their truck was hit by a train on Thursday, also injuring the preacher and his son. He was released from hospital on Monday after being taken there in critical condition. Son Bo Henry (centre) is said to be in stable condition
In a major update from Fryar’s Bismarck congregation on Monday, clergy revealed that Fryar was on the mend, being discharged from hospital on his own accord while his son, after a successful operation, was in a steady state.
In an update from Fryar’s Bismarck Congregation on Monday, clergy revealed that Fryar was on the mend, being discharged from hospital on his own accord while Bo Henry was in stable condition following the operation. .
“Thank you to everyone around the world reaching out and praying!” God is working and your prayers are being heard! it read. “Pastor Chad was able to leave the hospital right after our our [sic] Today !’
The revelation was a sigh of relief for the nearly 2,000 citizens of Bismarck who had come to know the pastor over the past three years after he joined the church in November 2020.
Earlier today, the church shared a statement asking for healing prayers for Pastor Fryar and his son, revealing that they were both, at the time, in stable condition.
“We are devastated by [the] tragic events and the loss of Marlee Jo and Dana Kate,’ the statement from Crossroads Cowboy Church read.
“Chad and Bo Henry are stable at local hospitals. Please continue to pray for their healing. Please pray for Rachel as she navigates this loss and cares for her son and husband.
Over the weekend, church officials shared an update touting Fryar’s progress with his recovery, saying he was “in good spirits and normal.”
At the time, the congregation wrote that doctors were “still discussing the length of his stay”, but were keeping him in intensive care as a precaution.
Shared two days after the crash, the statement also shed light on Bo Henry’s condition, after authorities confirmed the child had survived and been hospitalized, but did not elaborate on the extent of the injury. his injuries.
“Bo Henry’s surgery went better than expected last night and they are managing his pain,” read Saturday’s statement on the church’s Facebook, while sharing an attached photo of the family. happy in better times.
“He is a soldier,” the post continued, adding that the child was removed from a children’s intensive care unit on Saturday afternoon but remains hospitalized.
‘He was moved out of PICU this afternoon,’ the post read, adding that Bo Henry’s mother Rachel – who was at home at the time of the accident – was also able to visit. her husband recovering that day.
“The boys were able to talk on the phone this morning and Rachel was able to see Chad around lunch. She was able to rest this afternoon. Please keep praying, God is on the move.
Another post from the church provided a QR code so residents could send donations to the fractured family via CashApp as they likely face a slew of bills, funeral costs and potentially a long recovery.
As Fryar’s vehicle crossed the tracks, a northbound train struck the passenger side and dragged the truck approximately half a mile.
A message from Crossroads Cowboy Church over the weekend said Fryar and his young son were recovering from their injuries
Bo Henry (middle) is the only Fryar child still alive after the tragic train collision
According to a summary of the accident obtained by local media, Fryar was driving his 2017 Chevrolet Silverado around 1:45 p.m. when the collision occurred.
THE Arkadelph reported that there are crossed stop signs on both sides of the tracks, but no flashing lights or crossing gates to warn of approaching trains.
After their vehicle was hit, the father-of-three was airlifted to Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, nearly 80 miles from the scene.
Bo Henry was taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for unspecified injuries.
It is not known where each child was seated inside the vehicle at the time of the collision.
Fryar — who led the church in Bismarck, Arkansas — had preached as recently as May 20, according to a service streamed on their Facebook page.
During this service, he spoke about the seeds of faith and seeking blessings in life, even when it may seem difficult.
Riddle, speaking to local media, said faith is now what the Fryar family and the community around them rely on.
“Although they are devastated, their faith in God is strong, it is intact,” Riddle said.
Marley Jo Fryar (far right) and Dana Kate Fryar (left in blue top) were both killed in the crash
“They will need our prayers and support even more in the days and months ahead,” read a message from the church’s El Paso branch.
The Fryar family in a photo shared by Crossroads Cowboy Church the weekend before the accident, which happened on Thursday
“Although they are devastated, their faith in God is strong, it is intact,” Crossroads Cowboy Church senior pastor Ron Riddle said in a statement to local media.
The church is currently welcome donations to help families in need.
“They will need our prayers and support even more in the days and months ahead,” read a message from the church’s El Paso branch.
Hundreds of people have commented and shared their support for the family as they grieve and prepare for the unexpected burial of their two young daughters.
‘I am completely in shock. My mommy heart is so sad. I can’t even try. God makes his wanderings and he needed him in heaven worse than this wicked earth. Lord. God,” wrote one woman.
“Prayers go up for this family,” added another.
Police and other officials are currently investigating the accident, the cause of which remains unclear.
The Union Pacific Railroad confirmed that no one on the train at the time of the incident was injured in the collision.
