What started as an ordinary ride to baseball practice on May 30 quickly became a life-altering tragedy for DeKalb County Fire Captain Bill Dryden and his son Dylan Dryden, after a devastating head-on collision left both hospitalized with critical injuries.
A community now rallies behind a man who has spent his life protecting others and his young son, who has already shown incredible spirit.
Dylan Dryden’s Father Has Been Moved From The ICU Into A Regular Room
Captain Bill Dryden, a respected firefighter in DeKalb County, Georgia, is known for running toward danger when others run away.
But in a cruel twist of fate, he now finds himself needing the very support he’s always given.
Bill sustained numerous serious injuries in the crash, including fractures to his shoulder, femur, ribs, ankle, neck, and arm.
He continues to endure significant pain and has already undergone one major surgery, with more likely to come.
His path to recovery will be long and filled with uncertainty.
Bill was recently moved out of the ICU and into a regular hospital room, marking a positive but cautious step forward.
Dylan Dryden Is A Rising Baseball Player Who Has Been Seriously Injured
Dylan Dryden, a vibrant young baseball player with Team Bullpen 12U under Coach Garrett Lussi, also suffered severe and complex injuries.
These include lacerations to his kidney and spleen, a fractured sternum, fluid around the heart, and a hernia, which required surgery.
Despite these serious conditions, Dylan has shown remarkable strength and determination.
A recent update from a family friend described how Dylan completed a physical therapy session and even felt well enough to take a walk outside.
Dylan is a 2031 graduate prospect and standout outfielder and third baseman from Oxford, GA, and is well-known among his teammates and coaches.
A GoFundMe Has Been Organized To Help The Family Under Pressure
Both Bill and his wife, Abigail Dryden, are currently on Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave from their jobs, which has placed a tremendous financial burden on the family.
In addition to coping with the emotional stress of the accident, they are now faced with rapidly increasing medical expenses.
These include the costs of surgeries, follow-up appointments, and physical therapy for both father and son.
A close friend of the family captured the community’s concern in a heartfelt message:
“They need our prayers. I’ve known Dylan since the 4th grade. This is heartbreaking. Please lift up the Dryden family.”
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help ease the financial stress the Dryden family is now facing.
So far, it has raised over $12,000 of its $20,000 goal. It’s a powerful start, but additional support is still needed.
The campaign reads:
“Captain Dryden has selflessly dedicated his adult life to helping the citizens of DeKalb County. Now it’s our turn to give back. Any donation makes a difference.”
Via GoFundMe
If you’re wondering how you can make a difference, you can donate through the GoFundMe link.
Sharing the campaign online also helps expand its reach. Most importantly, the family asks that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
