CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WWBT) – A Chesterfield man severely injured in Lithuania is set to arrive in Central Virginia on Tuesday evening.
At last check, Eric’s mom, Jennifer, told 12 On Your Side her son is expected to land back in the area around 6 p.m. on Tuesday. From this point, the Chesterfield man will be taken by ambulance to VCU Medical Center to continue his recovery.
Eric Jessee(Source; Family Photo | Family Photo)
On July 19, 23-year-old Eric Jessee suffered a serious neck injury during a church mission trip to Lithuania.
“I hit something in the water and shattered my C5 vertebra,” Jessee said during an interview with 12 On Your Side last Thursday.
The 23-year-old said he nearly drowned after the accident left him paralyzed.
“My whole entire C5 was pretty much just destroyed,” he said during last Thursday’s interview. “It’s the kind of injury that causes sudden death; there’s no way that I should’ve made it out of the water, is what my surgeon said.”
Jennifer Jessee and her son, Eric.(Source; Family Photo | Family Photo)
Due to obstacles with their insurance company, Jessee’s family was unsure when he would return home. However, his family said a breakthrough with their insurance came and helped solidify plans to bring him back home on Tuesday.
12 On Your Side also reached out to Anthem for comment on Jessee’s case. The insurance company sent 12 On Your Side the following statement:
“From the very beginning of Mr. Jessee’s situation we have been closely involved in supporting his care. We’ve coordinated with medical services in Lithuania and here in Richmond to ensure he receives the treatment he needs and can continue his recovery closer to home. We remain committed to working with his care providers and wish him well in his recovery.”
Eric Jessee with his family at the Lithuanian hospital.(Jennifer Jessee)
Pat Fiordelise, senior pastor at Kingsland Baptist Church, said the church is overjoyed to hear Jessee is coming back home.
“This moment is great, partly because the initial moments were so horrible. We’re just brokenhearted. We’re so sad that he got hurt and it was catastrophic. We didn’t know how it was going to go and we still don’t know how it’s all going to go,” he said. “Seeing him get a little bit better everyday, moving his arms, moving his hands, moving his legs, it’s just the biggest answer to prayer.”
During an interview with 12 On Your side on Tuesday, Pastor Fiordelise said Jessee has become a pivotal part of their church family.
“This is where Eric stands on Sundays, passing the offering plate. So, he’s an usher,” Fiordelise said. “Right behind us is our baptismal, which he fixed just a few weeks ago . He’s one of those hands-on guys who knows how to fix things.”
Pat Fiordelise, senior pastor of Kingsland Baptist Church.(Source;WWBT | WWBT)
For Pastor Fiordelise, this has been a moment weeks in the making for a important member of their church family.
“The people here love him and we’re all praying for him. A lot of people all over the city have donated to help him and that’s really greatly appreciated,” he said. “He’s got a long road ahead of him, but we’re here. We’re here to go step by step.”
Kingsland Baptist Church started a fundraiser to support Eric Jessee and his family. To donate to this fundraiser, click on this link, click on the drop-down menu and select “Eric Jessee Fund” as the option for your donation.
Members of Kingsland Baptist Church plan to wait outside VCU Medical Center on Tuesday evening to greet Eric Jessee as he arrives at the hospital.
Copyright 2025 WWBT. All rights reserved.