Jonathan Ceplecha: Survivor

On Thursday morning, August 27th, Jonathan was clearing trees in an area of his property in Redwood Falls. He was on a hill in the woods behind his house, just far enough away to be out of sight and sound from anyone. In a split second due to a freak accident, both of his legs were suddenly pinned down under an immovable log and his upper torso was now semi-twisted as he sat upright on the ground. His legs were broken instantly and he was in enormous pain but, with no phone on him and because he lives alone, there was nobody to hear or see him.

He was found by his ex-wife four days later on Monday evening,  August 31st, after his family had grown concerned that he wasn't answering their phone calls. A local sheriff was at the scene as well, after the school where he teaches had requested a welfare check when he missed the first day of class on the same day.

He kept his sanity by breaking down every day into hours, and each hour into 5-minute segments. As someone of a heavy faith, he prayed to himself often, and tried to distract himself from panic by meditating and inventing rhythms to follow from dawn to dusk.

Rescue workers carefully removed the log off him and he was flown to HCMC's intensive care unit in Minneapolis.

He is a true survivor in every sense of the word. He is also an Army veteran, a teacher, and a proud father. Thank you for your support.

Ceplecha Family