It happened in an instant.
On the night of January 9, a violent rollover crash in Atascosa County changed Zackery Hartley’s life forever. In just a few terrifying seconds, everything he knew — his health, his work, his routine, and his role as a provider — was shattered.
Zack was trapped inside his vehicle, unable to free himself. First responders rushed to the scene and worked urgently to extract him from the wreckage. Due to the severity of his injuries, Zack was airlifted to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). The trauma was so extreme that he doesn’t even remember the accident itself.
Today, Zack is stable — but the road ahead is anything but easy.
Doctors have confirmed that his injuries are life-altering:
- Seven broken ribs
- A burst fracture of the L4 vertebra
- A fractured L2 vertebra
- A separated left shoulder
The recovery will be long, painful, and slow. Zack will be unable to work for an extended period of time as his body heals, step by step. Every movement will take effort. Every milestone will take patience.
But what makes this story hit even harder is who Zack is outside the hospital room.
Zack is a devoted father to two little girls — Mallery (7) and Teagan (5) — who depend on him not only for support, but for love, stability, and presence. He’s the kind of dad who shows up, who spends his time outdoors with his girls, sharing his love for hunting, fishing, and family.
He’s also the kind of man who helps others — someone known for his kindness and willingness to lend a hand.
In the crash, Zack didn’t just lose his physical strength. He also lost his hunting pup — another heartbreaking piece of the life he loved, gone in seconds.
Now, as Zack focuses on healing, his family faces an overwhelming reality: medical bills, lost income, and the daily needs of two young children don’t pause for recovery.
That’s why a fundraiser has been created — to help support Zack and his girls while he fights his way back, one painful day at a time.
👉 If you’re able to help, donations can be made here:
And if donating isn’t possible, your support still matters deeply.
Please share this story.
Please leave a message for Zack and his daughters.
Sometimes, knowing that people care — that a community is standing beside you — is what carries a family through the hardest days.
This is one of those moments where community truly matters.
Where compassion becomes action.
And where standing together can help a father heal — and help two little girls hold onto hope.
