21-Year-Old Georgia Tree Worker Left Paralyzed After Branch Accident

Evan Parker's family says he was doing what he loved when the tragic incident occurred.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Evan Parker, a 21-year-old tree worker in Georgia, was left paralyzed from the shoulders down after a 25-lb. dead tree branch fell on his head while he was working. Parker's family says he was an avid tree climber who loved his job, and they are grateful he was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, which likely saved his life.

Why it matters

Tree work can be an inherently dangerous profession, and this tragic accident highlights the risks workers face. Parker's story also underscores the importance of workplace safety measures like helmets, as well as the need for support systems to help workers and their families cope with life-altering injuries.

The details

According to his family, Parker was working on a tree when the large branch struck him, breaking his neck and leaving him paralyzed. He is currently recovering and receiving treatment at a hospital. Parker's mother, Kesha Guzman, said that even through his ordeal, he is trying to keep his family calm and positive.

  • The accident occurred while Evan Parker was working on a tree.
  • Parker's son will turn 2 years old in June.

The players

Evan Parker

A 21-year-old tree worker in Georgia who was left paralyzed from the shoulders down after a large tree branch fell on his head while he was working.

Laren Parker

Evan Parker's father, who said the family was not expecting this tragic accident to happen.

Kesha Guzman

Evan Parker's mother, who said that even through his ordeal, Evan is trying to keep his family calm and positive.

Kasey Jackson

Evan Parker's cousin, who described him as the "typical tree guy that loves their job and loves climbing trees".

Dakota Roberts

The owner of Southern Roots Tree Service and a friend of Evan Parker, who praised Parker's strong work ethic.

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What they’re saying

“No one ever expects this, and when this happens you have to hold yourself together.”

— Laren Parker, Evan Parker's father (WSB)

“Even through all of this, when he is awake, he's trying to keep us calm. He's trying to keep us happy and laughing and that's Evan.”

— Kesha Guzman, Evan Parker's mother (WXIA)

“He is the typical tree guy that loves their job and loves climbing trees and wants to climb trees like all the time. At least he was doing something he loved, right when the accident happened.”

— Kasey Jackson, Evan Parker's cousin (WNAF)

“Years ago Evan found out his loving girlfriend was pregnant with their beautiful baby boy. Evan knew he had to do something bigger to provide for his family. He came to me and asked for work so I let him split firewood. Over time I let him work some tree jobs with me and also got him in connection with some other people to work with as well.”

— Dakota Roberts, Owner of Southern Roots Tree Service and friend of Evan Parker (WXIA)

What’s next

The family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover Evan Parker's medical expenses and rehabilitation, and a benefit car, bike and truck show is planned for May 16 in Winder, Georgia, with all proceeds going to the family.

The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the inherent dangers of tree work and the importance of workplace safety measures. It also highlights the need for strong support systems to help workers and their families cope with life-altering injuries. Parker's story serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those in this profession.