A collision between a bike and a semi truck nearly claims the life of 18-year-old Tyler Cumings of Montague.
Cumings survived, but lost his arm and the use of his legs.
The accident happened on August 15th and ever since then, Cumings has been battling back from near death.
FOX 17 paid Cumings a visit at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids where for the first time he's speaking about his accident and recovery.
The teens family said Tyler has battled his whole life. Growing up, his dad, Carl, said Tyler was often picked on for his speech impediment and learning disability.
Little did his family know those tests early on in life would prepare him for his greatest test ever.
"I'm one of those people that adapt and overcome," said Tyler. "That's my motto."
It's a motto he learned from his dad. "I've always taught Tyler, whatever you come to adapt and overcome it," Carl said.
Tyler is now adapting to life with one arm and without the use of his legs. In Tyler's mind is just another thing to overcome.
"I have to," he said. "That's life."
Adapting hasn't been as easy for Carl. On August 15th, the day of the accident, Carl's phone rang. It was Tyler's phone number but a stranger, Michael Remkis, on the other end. FOX 17 spoke with Remkis the day of the accident.
"We got his cell phone and I dialed his parents," said Remkis.
Carl remembers that call well, "...And he says the police and the ambulance are arriving right now, and I could hear the sirens in the background, I lost it. I had to pull off to the side of the road and I broke down."
Cumings was riding back to his home in Montague when he crashed into a semi truck at the corner of Whitbeck and Eiler Rd.
The day of the crash, you could see marks on the road where the semi tried to stop, Tyler's bike, shoe, and shattered glasses were marked by investigators.
"My backpack got hooked on the semi and it dragged me for 50 feet before it stopped on my arm," said Tyler.
From there it was one surgery after another, skin grafts, an amputation, and a broken back. What never broke was Tyler's faith and spirit.
"Don't fight it," he said. "Adapt and overcome."
Through it all he's refusing to let his injuries define who he is. Tyler said he's inspired by the support he's received since the accident, with plans to pay it all back.
His family is finding inspiration in their 18-year-old son.
Carl said, "Tyler's been one that's had a lot of issues with people picking on him. I always taught him to keep fighting because you can do whatever you want in life."
If you want to help Tyler in his recovery a benefit concert will be held at the Crosswinds Fellowship Church on Saturday starting at 7pm. Two bands, Uncommon Road and The Birdsongs will be performing. Tickets are $5.00, with all the money going to help the Cumings family.
