OKLAHOMA CITY, Friday, Jan. 20 – During Monday’s game vs. the Detroit Pistons, the Thunder will honor Tyler Ryan of Edmond as January’s Devon Community Hero. On the night of Nov. 9, 2011. Ryan, 24, was offering assistance to a stranded motorist and lost his leg when an inattentive driver crashed into the parked car. On Monday night he will be honored for his selfless and heroic act.
The incident occurred near the intersection of 15th St. and Santa Fe in Edmond. Morshed Khandarker was changing a flat tire when Ryan pulled over to help. As he got the spare tire out of the trunk, another car crashed into the idle car. Ryan pushed Khandarker out of harm’s way and took the impact himself. Although his mother was told his chance of survival was slim, Ryan has undergone nine surgeries, including the amputation of his left leg, yet still maintains a positive attitude with the slogan "keep moving forward," and keeps "I'd do it all over again a hundred times."
Several individuals and local businesses are helping to raise funds for Ryan’s medical expenses and new prosthetic leg. Donations can be made via a website at keep-moving-forward.com.Media Note:
The Devon Community Hero Award will be presented to Ryan at center court during the first-quarter break of Monday night’s game. Please contact a member of the Thunder Corporate Communications staff for more details.About the Devon Community Hero Award
Created in 2008, the Devon Community Hero Award, presented by the Thunder, is designed to honor outstanding Oklahomans who are making a significant difference in their community through their personal contributions of time, talent and/or finances. The program strives to recognize a wide diversity of people, from well-known Oklahomans to everyday heroes, highlighting the unique contributions they’ve made. For a list of previous honorees, visit the Community section of THUNDER.NBA.COM.