Seward County brothers Layne, Jacob and Ty Auman were involved in a serious car accident Nov. 8 in Seward County. The three brothers are in stable condition at Bryan LGH West where they are being treated for serious injuries.
Layne attended both Seward High School and Centennial High School, and graduated from East Butler. Jacob is a sophomore at Seward High and Ty is an eighth grader at Seward Middle School. An account has been set up for the family at Union Bank.
Seward County authorities responded to the one-vehicle accident that occurred on Nov. 8 at approximately 8:45 p.m. A 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme four-door was traveling south on 252nd Road, approximately ½ mile north of Old Mill Road in Seward County when it veered off the roadway into the west ditch, colliding with a culvert.
According to the Seward County Sheriff’s Office, all three juveniles were trapped inside the vehicle. All three were transported to Bryan LGH West Hospital in Lincoln.
The Seward County Sheriff’s Office, Seward Fire and Rescue, Star Care Life Flight and Life Net Life Flight provided assistance.
The following statement is from the parents of the Auman brothers:
“On Sunday, Nov. 8, our three oldest sons, Layne Auman, 18, Jacob Auman, 16, and Ty Auman, 14, were involved in a serious automobile accident. Layne and Ty were in critical condition and Jacob was stable upon admission to Bryan LGH West in Lincoln. Layne and Ty have undergone emergency surgeries and are stable at this time. Jacob has underwent surgery to repair a fractured femur and is already starting acute rehabilitation.
“Layne suffered a traumatic brain injury. At this point in time, he is responding to commands but it is going to be months before we know the true extent of the damage he suffered. He is responding to yes or no questions. Layne has made some improvements today (Nov. 16) and is no longer on the ventilator. He is also responding to people when they talk, either by giving a thumbs up/down, nodding/shaking his head, and he told his nurse ‘Hi’ when she said ‘Hi’ to him. Amazing progress in just one week!
“Jacob is doing well with his legs. He is doing very well with rehabilitation therapy and is being tough and hanging in there. He has been an amazing support for his brothers. He sees them every day. Jacob is working with rehab to strengthen his right hand which sustained some nerve trauma and his right leg.
“Ty suffered a spinal cord injury. We’re not sure at this time what to expect. We don’t know whether he will be able to walk again but, like the doctor said, there is always hope with hard work.
“We would like to thank the Seward Fire Department, Seward Memorial Hospital and the staff at Bryan LGH West for their quick response and the outstanding care they gave our boys. Their efforts came together perfectly to get Layne, Jacob and Ty exactly where they needed to be, and if it weren’t for them we wouldn’t have our boys today.
“We would also like to thank the community for their support, love and prayers. The outpouring of love that we have seen for Layne, Jacob and Ty will help them through the hard work they have ahead of them.
“We, as their parents, are aware that there are those who wish to help and we ask that they contact:
Jessie Yant at 402-641-0341
Heather Vanderslice at 402-641-0010.
“Thank you again, for your continued compassion and concern for our Auman boys, we will never be able to express how much it means to us.
Kent Auman (dad), Lisa Malzac (mom),
Wade Malzac (step-dad), Johni Shonk (step-mom)”
In a phone interview with Lisa Malzac Nov. 16, Malzac said that Jacob and Ty remember bits and pieces from the night of the accident. She said that while speed played a part in the accident, Layne’s previously unknown health condition may have been a factor as well. She said the boys are working hard in their recovery.
Malzac also said the support from the Seward community has been amazing. The boys’ dad and step-dad have had coworkers donate vacation time to them so that they can be with the boys.
She added that the Seward Volunteer Fire Department has been extremely supportive with regular visits to the boys. Both Kent Auman and Johni Shonk serve on the SVFD.
