“Santa” or at least one of his main helpers, was seriously injured in a car accident last Wednesday near Sunshine Grocery in Pierce County.
According to an accident report by the Georgia State Patrol, a two-vehicle accident occurred on College Avenue near its intersection with St. Johns Church Road at 4:27 p.m. Wednesday, December 4.
Samantha Ruth Strickland, 44, was driving a 2018 Nissan Murano south on College Avenue. According to the report, Strickland failed to stop at the stop sign and struck a 2014 Dodge Ram pick-up driven by Joseph Troy Shuman, 59, of Hoboken.
Strickland was not injured in the accident.
Shuman was seriously injured and was transferred by AirEvac medical helicopter to the UF Health Hospital in Jacksonville, FL complaining of numbness in his extremeties.
Shuman is well known for portraying Santa throughout Pierce, Brantley, Ware and surrounding counties.
Shuman was on his way to be Santa for a photo opportunity with Pierce County children when the accident occurred.
Shuman underwent surgery Friday, Dec. 6, and is now working to regain movement in his arms.
Local educator Theresa Alonso is also a photographer who was working with Shuman. She has now set up a GoFundMe page to assist Shuman. Those wishing to donate may do so by going to www.gofundme.com/f/hel p-santa-recover-supportjoey- shumans-new-sleighfund.
“Mr. Joey and his wife, Mrs. Sheila, share the joy, wonder and love of Christ during the Christmas season. He openly acknowledges that ‘this Santa gig’ is a true gift and calling,” said Alonzo.
