Tulsa Family Deals With Accidential Shooting

A tragic accident leaves a 14-year-old Tulsa boy paralyzed from the neck down. The Hamilton Middle School student was accidentally shot in the neck by his brother. <br/><br/>His spinal cord was severed.

Wednesday, April 26th 2006, 10:42 am

By: News On 6

A tragic accident leaves a 14-year-old Tulsa boy paralyzed from the neck down. The Hamilton Middle School student was accidentally shot in the neck by his brother.

His spinal cord was severed. Now this basketball and football player is facing life in a wheelchair. The tragedy has taken its toll on his family emotionally and financially.

News on 6 reporter Ashli Sims talked to the boy's mom who says her son is determined to walk again.

A big toothy grin is the first thing people mention when they talk about Kejuan Taylor. Whether playing pool, shooting hoops, or goofing around with friends from his church youth group. The 14-year-old was always wearing that smile. And that's why his accident has broken so many hearts. "That's the day that seem like ruined my life, that day." Menhyon Taylor says she was going to get her son Kejuan some food, when she got a call from her 15-year-old son Keith that took her breath away. "I was like what happened who shot him and he said I just shot Kejuan."

Menhyon says the shooting was a terrible, freak accident. "He was sitting right there. And he said, 'I got a new gun, don't mess with it.' And when he pulled the gun out, the gun went off, shot him in his neck and went out his shoulder."

The bullet severed Kejuan's spinal cord, paralyzing him from the neck down. Menhyon says almost the first thing out of Kejuan's mouth was a message for his brother. "He said Momma tell Keith that I love him and I know he didn't try to shoot me with the gun."

Kejuan has been in the hospital for the last two weeks. Now he's been transferred to an Oklahoma City hospital that specializes in spinal cord injuries. "They're hoping that he get at least the top part of his body. But they have very little hope for the bottom half of his body."

The Taylor's insurance will cover the first 30 days worth of therapy. Now they're worrying about how they're going to pay for travel costs to be there for Kejuan when he needs them most.

Their church family at First Baptist is trying to help raise money. They're selling T-shirts with a slogan that Kejuan suggested, "believe". Because he believes in a higher power, he believes his family will make it through this and he believes he will walk again.

A medical fund has been set up at the Bank of Oklahoma for Kejuan. The fund will be used for medical and travel expenses. Donations will be accepted at any Bank of Oklahoma branch.