Never losing consciousness, he was rushed by Care Flight to the hospital, where he underwent extensive surgery for his injuries.
In time, Triplett was stabilized, and is now in rehab where he undergoes several hours of therapy every day.
While Triplett is not yet able to move his limbs, he is determined that one day he’ll be back in the gym turning flips. A natural born gymnast, Triplett was only 6-years-old, when he was ranked as the top gymnast in the nation in his class by the United States Trampoline and Tumbling Association.
Ever present at Triplett’s side are his wife, Nanyamka “Yaka” Triplett and Triplett’s father, also named Chriss Triplett.
Doctors told the elder Triplett, that had the break been at a slightly different angle, his son would likely have been killed instantly. Both men count the younger Triplett’s survival a miracle.
The people of the Triplett’s church, Hope Church in Miamisburg, have stepped in to provide housing, transportation and food for out of town visitors as well as care for the couple’s 18-month-old son, Jayden.
His absence also has been felt at Hand 2 Hand. “Everyone is asking about Chriss and praying for him and hoping for a full recovery,” said Diane Trifiro, owner of Hand 2 Hand.
“Many of our students have made cards and brought in other items we make sure make their way to Chriss.”
“He is such a special person — always fully engaged with kids and just a wonderful coach,” said Jamiee Dinnison, whose two daughters are enrolled at the gym. “He has the unique ability to compliment and correct in the same breath.”
In addition to his skills as a gymnast and coach, Triplett studied music at Central State University, and is the drummer for the Christian/Gospel band, Champion.
Besides helping the Triplett’s with their physical and spiritual needs, friends and family have set up two ways to help the family with expenses. Donations may be made to the Chriss Triplett Benefit Account at any branch of Fifth Third Bank or, via PayPal by accessing the Chriss Triplett “More Faith More Healing” donation page.
“Chriss has been changing the lives of the people who come to visit him because of his faith in God,” said Yaka Triplett. “Our faith in God has given us a peace that we can’t even understand right now. We have hope that he will walk again and be back to normal, working for his dreams to come true.”
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