The wrestling world tragically lost Jamin Pugh (Jay Briscoe) in a car accident on Tuesday, January 17 at the age of 38. His daughters Jayleigh and Gracie were in the car with him in the accident.
In an update on Friday night, family friend Josh Wharton relayed that Gracie had regained feeling in her lower extremities. Jayleigh had an NG tube in place and was unable to eat.
On Monday, Josh went live on Facebook again to provide a new update, which includes a statement from Mark Briscoe.
"Gracie, 12, has worked with physical and occupational therapy over the last several days and continues to work towards her goals. Her therapist says her strength is improving and she is able to assist with some knee bends and in and outs with her legs. Today, she assisted with her transfer into the wheel chair using a slide board. Her pain has been much more under control. She was able to be up for awhile and play some games and watch movies throughout the day. She is making huge improvements, has regained feeling below her knees, but has not moved anything below her knees.
"Jayleigh, 9, Saturday night her NG tube was removed and Sunday morning she was able to eat and drink as much as she pleases. She is so much happier. Today, she worked with physical and occupational therapy and did her first stand transfer into her wheelchair. The girls were able to spend a little quality time together today. After getting in her bed, her wound vac on her abdominal incision was removed. She now only has to worry about her braces and external fixation on her leg. She was about to work with an art therapist.
"I called Mark just about a half hour ago and we talked. I told him the community cares about him and we wanted to make sure he was alright and if there was anything we could. He answered the phone, just the most chipper I've ever heard him. That's an upbeat family in this time of tragedy. The one thing that stuck out to me, he said, 'I can't imagine going through this not being a believer.' He realizes that our time here on Earth is a small glimpse in existence. He realizes that we're going to see him again and he's hoping to use that as a tool to motivate people to get into heaven with us. Use Jamin's untimely death as a witness almost to get people into heaven with him. He sent a text that says, 'GOD IS ON THE THRONE. That's all I got bro.' The man has been through a lot and he still has his faith. He's going to carry on the Pugh and Briscoe name proudly.
"I've not talked to anyone in AEW, but according to the family, they've been nothing but top notch and supportive."
Fans can read the initial update, which included a list of full injuries suffered in the accident, by clicking here.
A donation page was set up on Thursday morning and fans can donate by clicking here. AEW released a memorial shirt on Monday with 100% of the proceeds going to the Pugh family.
A donation page was also set up for the Ternahan children, who lost their mother in the accident. It was said multiple times that the Pugh family has no ill will towards Lillyanne Ternahan, who was involved in the collision with Jamin, and that they would appreciate everyone to be supportive of her children and what their family is going through as well.
Fightful continues to send our love, support, and prayer to the Pugh family.
Writers note: I don't care if you credit for the transcription. Please share this update and continue to pray for these girls and the family.
