Just when it seemed like the worst was behind him, Hunter’s recovery took an unexpected turn.
Late Tuesday night, hospital staff confirmed that the 29-year-old patient — who had been recovering from a severe arm injury and emergency vascular surgery earlier this week — experienced a sudden medical setback that required immediate intervention.
Family members say the evening had started quietly. Hunter had been resting in the intensive care unit, surrounded earlier in the day by close relatives encouraged by what doctors described as “steady progress.” His vital signs were stable. Circulation in his repaired arm was being closely monitored. Physical therapists had even begun discussing preliminary mobility plans for the coming days.
Then, shortly after 10:30 p.m., alarms sounded in his room.
According to hospital officials, nurses observed a rapid drop in blood pressure accompanied by increased swelling around the surgical site. Within minutes, the trauma team was back at his bedside.
“It escalated quickly,” said a hospital spokesperson early Wednesday morning. “Our team responded immediately.”
Doctors determined that Hunter was likely experiencing internal bleeding related to the complex vascular repair performed during his initial surgery. Though such complications are not common, they are recognized risks following major arterial trauma.
Within half an hour, he was being prepped for a second emergency procedure.
Family members describe the moment as a devastating déjà vu.
“We thought we were past the scariest part,” his sister Megan said. “When they told us he needed to go back into surgery, it felt like the ground dropped out from under us.”
Surgeons worked overnight to identify and repair the source of the bleeding. Hospital officials say the complication stemmed from a small vessel leak near the original repair site — a delicate area where restored circulation had placed added stress on surrounding tissue.
The procedure lasted nearly two hours.
Shortly after 2:00 a.m., Hunter was returned to the ICU in stable but critical condition.
Dr. Laura Bennett, the trauma surgeon overseeing his care, addressed the situation in a brief statement.
“In cases involving severe arterial injury, the first 48 to 72 hours are especially critical,” she explained. “Even after successful surgery, patients require intensive monitoring for complications. Our team acted quickly, and we are cautiously optimistic following the second procedure.”
Medical experts note that when significant blood loss occurs during the initial trauma, the body’s recovery process can be unpredictable. Swelling, clot formation, and stress on repaired vessels all require constant evaluation.
In Hunter’s case, the rapid response appears to have made the difference once again.
“He was already in the safest place possible,” said one nurse familiar with his care. “That matters.”
Throughout the night, family members waited in a quiet consultation room down the hall from the operating suite. Text messages flowed steadily from friends and community members who have been following Hunter’s condition since his original accident.
By early morning, the family shared a brief update on social media:
“Hunter is out of surgery. Doctors acted fast. Please keep praying and sending strength.”
The message quickly drew hundreds of supportive responses.
Community members have rallied around the Collins family since Hunter’s initial injury during a weekend fencing project. Fundraisers have been organized to help offset medical expenses, and local volunteers have offered meals and transportation support.
For many, the latest setback is a sobering reminder that recovery is rarely linear.
“People see ‘successful surgery’ and think that means it’s over,” said Dr. Bennett. “But healing from trauma is a process. There can be highs and lows.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, Hunter remains sedated to allow his body to rest and stabilize. Doctors are closely monitoring blood flow to his arm and assessing nerve function. While the immediate bleeding has been controlled, the next 24 hours are considered critical.
His sister says the family is trying to remain hopeful.
“We’ve already seen how strong he is,” Megan said. “And we’ve seen how fast the doctors can move when it counts.”
Medical staff have emphasized that setbacks, while frightening, do not necessarily mean long-term decline. With proper intervention and monitoring, many patients recover fully after secondary procedures.
Still, the emotional toll is undeniable.
Late-night calls from hospitals rarely bring calm news. For the Collins family, the second surgery reopened fears they thought they had begun to close.
Yet amid the uncertainty, one fact remains clear: Hunter is receiving swift, expert care — and he is still fighting.
As doctors continue their round-the-clock monitoring, loved ones remain by his side, holding onto the same hope that carried them through the first emergency.
Recovery may not follow a straight path. But for now, thanks to quick action and skilled hands, the path forward remains open.
