STT. Doctors Share First Look at a 24-Year-Old Lineman’s Hands After Devastating Electrical Injury

This is the first time the public has actually seen the condition of Hunter Alexander’s hands clearly.

And the truth revealed in those images evokes two conflicting emotions.

There is a glimmer of hope.

There was deep pain.

These photos were taken after a series of emergency surgeries, as doctors worked tirelessly to save the hands of a 24-year-old electrician who had been severely electrocuted while restoring power to residents after a devastating winter storm.

Those weren’t easy images to look at.

And these are certainly not images that are easily accepted.

The extent of the damage is extremely serious.

The battle for life and a future for those hands continues.

Nothing on this journey is easy.

This is especially true for families who are living with that reality every minute, every hour.

Out of respect for Hunter and his loved ones, a portion of the photo has been blurred.

The area is blurred not because it is less important.

Conversely, that is precisely the most worrying area.

That’s where the doctors are focusing all their attention, closely monitoring even the smallest signs.

That particular area could determine whether Hunter can avoid amputation.

Every hour that passes is of vital importance.

Even the smallest change can alter the course of treatment.

There is no room for subjectivity.

There is no room for error.

Hunter’s father, Daren Alexander, shared the heartbreaking context behind these images.

He wasn’t just speaking as a father.

And he is also someone trying to keep the spirits of his entire family high during the darkest days.

“These images were taken immediately after the injury, between January 25th and January 31st,” Daren shared.

“These photos were taken after a fasciotomy on January 26th, and another surgery to clean and remove necrotic tissue on January 28th on my son’s right hand.”

The explanations are heavily medical in nature.

But behind that lies a fear that no words can fully express.

Daren said the family has yet to see Hunter’s left arm and hand.

It’s not because they don’t want to.

But the extent of the damage there is so severe that no one is willing to face it.

According to him, the injuries on his left hand were far more severe than what was visible on his right hand.

That was perfectly clear from the very first moment after the accident.

From what he witnessed firsthand when Hunter was being taken to the emergency room.

From private conversations with surgeons.

A large amount of fluid is drained out each day through a wound pressure suction system.

And from the intense, persistent pain that Hunter is still enduring every hour.

Doctors are walking a very fine line.

They had to act quickly to prevent the damage from spreading.

We must be extremely careful not to lose the opportunity for recovery.

Their goal is to preserve as much as possible.

Maintain blood circulation.

Reduce swelling.

Prevent infection.

And most importantly, avoid making the decision to amputate—a decision that cannot be reversed.

No one dared to make any promises.

No one can be certain of anything.

It all happened day by day.

Even hourly.

Each morning begins with a glimmer of hope.

And each night ended with anxious waiting.

But amidst the physical pain, medical uncertainty, and long days of waiting, one thing remains constant.

Hunter is still Hunter.

He’s not just a patient in a hospital bed.

He remains a son who is loved unconditionally by his parents.

A husband has a family waiting for him to come home.

And he was an uncle who always brought laughter to his little nephew.

During a special visit to the hospital, Hunter received the most precious spiritual gift.

His young nephew, Henry, came to visit him.

The child’s arrival eased the heavy atmosphere in the hospital room.

The meeting didn’t last long.

But it was enough to bring light to an otherwise gloomy day.

“There were many visitors today,” Daren wrote.

“I saw Hunter smiling and enjoying every moment.”

Amidst the pain, surrounded by IV lines and medical equipment, that smile meant more than any words.

It was a reminder that Hunter was still here.

The fight is still ongoing.

There is still reason to hope.

The Hunter family received tremendous support from the community.

From people I know.

And also strangers who had never met Hunter before.

Messages of encouragement.

Prayers.

The meals were delivered.

Snacks.

These acts of kindness are quiet but meaningful.

All of this helped the family feel they weren’t alone.

Doctors remain cautiously optimistic.

They emphasized that nothing is certain yet.

The road ahead is still very long.

There will be many challenges ahead.

There may be setbacks.

But hope still remains.

Currently, everything is being monitored closely on a daily basis.

Hourly.

Every little sign.

If there’s a moment to pause amidst the hustle and bustle of life, it’s now.

A moment to pray for Hunter Alexander.

Let the hands that are scrambling for every opportunity be held onto.

For a young man who was injured while trying to help others get light and warmth.

And for families who are exhausted from waiting but still haven’t given up hope.

And if you could send Hunter a message,

A single word,

As he continued this arduous battle,

What would you want him to hear?