Royalton Community Rallies Around Coach Nick Lanners After Life-Altering Accident
The tight-knit community of Royalton, Minnesota, is rallying around one of its own, Coach Nick Lanners, following a devastating car accident that left him with a severe spinal cord injury. Known for his unwavering dedication to his family, students, and the broader community, Nick’s life was tragically altered on July 13, 2022, when he was rear-ended at a stoplight while en route to a team workout. The impact resulted in a severe fracture of his C5 vertebrae, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.
A Pillar of the Community
Nick Lanners is a Royalton High School alumnus, Class of 2006, who returned to his alma mater to give back as an assistant football coach in 2011. Beyond the football field, Nick serves as a corrections officer at the St. Cloud Correctional Facility. He and his wife, Heather, are raising their two young children, Grayson and Emery, in the Royalton area.
Coach Lanners is revered not only for his athletic contributions but also for his mentorship and community involvement. Head Coach Jamie Morford described him as “like a big brother to the kids,” highlighting his role in shaping young lives both on and off the field.
The Accident and Its Aftermath
The accident on July 13 was a turning point for the Lanners family. Nick was airlifted to St. Cloud Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to decompress his spinal cord. Despite the successful procedure, he remained paralyzed from the chest down and faced additional health challenges, including blood clots and pneumonia.
Heather Lanners recounted the harrowing experience, expressing gratitude that Nick did not suffer a brain injury and emphasizing the emotional toll of explaining the situation to their children.
Community Support: #LannersStrong
In the wake of the accident, the Royalton community launched the #LannersStrong campaign to support Nick and his family. A GoFundMe page was established with an initial goal of $11,000, symbolizing Nick’s football jersey number. The fundraiser quickly surpassed expectations, raising over $40,000 to assist with medical expenses, travel, lodging, and other unforeseen costs associated with Nick’s recovery.
The community’s support extended beyond financial contributions. During the Royals’ home opener on September 1, 2022, fans donned #LannersStrong wristbands and T-shirts, and a raffle was held to benefit the Lanners family. Even rival schools, such as Eden Valley-Watkins, joined the cause by organizing fundraisers during their homecoming game against Royalton.
A Long Road Ahead
Nick’s journey to recovery is ongoing, with extensive rehabilitation and therapy required. Despite the challenges, the Lanners family remains hopeful, buoyed by the outpouring of support from their community. Heather expressed her gratitude, stating, “It’s hard to put into words how grateful we are. It’s like we are hurting, but the whole community is hurting right alongside us.”
The Royalton community’s response to this tragedy exemplifies the strength and compassion that define small-town America. As Nick continues his recovery, he does so knowing that he is not alone—his community stands firmly behind him, embodying the true spirit of #LannersStrong.
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