Sandusky man survives near-death incident

SANDUSKY — Following Wednesday's devastating storm, which destroyed the Sandusky State Theatre and many other properties citywide, authorities said nobody suffered any related injuries. But they forgot about somebody. Justin Palma, a 2011 Sandusky High School graduate, broke his fibula and shin when a 6-foot-long branch flew off from a tree in Shoreline Park and smacked right into his left leg. The storm's sudden nature didn't allow enough time for Palma to escape from harm's way. "We were trying to hurry up, to get back to the car, and a huge gust of wind went 'whoosh,'" said Palma, recalling the incident on Sunday from his Carr Street home. While at the park, he was with his brother, Deontre. "All of a sudden, branches and rocks started to fly, and people were having a hard time staying on their feet," Palma said. Then Palma experienced an excruciating pain upon the tree coming into contact with his body. The shock left him motionless on the ground for a good minute or two. "I was freaked out," Palma said. Luckily, several good Samaritans — including Deontre and a fellow classmate, Elizabeth Keys — saw what happened and assisted Palma. One person drove him to Firelands Regional Medical Center, where he underwent an hour-long surgery. Medical professionals placed 13 screws into his leg and gave Palma a four-to-six-week recovery timetable before he can walk again. Until then, he'll remain on crutches and in a walking boot. "I still have some pretty strong bones around it," said Palma, who's employed by Corso's Flower and Garden Center and works in many roles, such as landscaping, sales and production. While a devastating injury, Palma still found some optimism. "It could have hit me in the head or my jaw. I could have had internal bleeding. I could have had a bad concussion. Or worse: I might not be here," Palma said. "I feel like my life was flashing by. But I'm glad to still be here."