Video is here with this update from the O'Connor family... We've come so far in the last 57 days. This video is just a small reflection of our journey so far. We continue to celebrate each small victory that comes our way. This week we have celebrated Ryan puckering up for sweet kisses and successfully catching a small nerf ball with his left hand. As we continue our week full of intense therapy, we anticipate and look forward to sharing more triumphs. Despite our distance from home we still feel all the love and encouragement you continue to send our way. Thanks to each of you for supporting our family in so many ways. We are touched by your thoughtfulness and generosity.
O'Connor is at a rehabilitation hospital near Denver as he continues to recover after being shot in the back of the head by a burglary suspect Dec. 5. The video shows his recovery and images of the support shown by the community. "As we continue our week full of intense therapy, we anticipate and look forward to sharing more triumphs," the post continued. "Despite our distance from home we still feel all the love and encouragement you continue to send our way. Thanks to each of you for supporting our family in so many ways. We are touched by your thoughtfulness and generosity."
Arnold Police Officer Ryan O'Connor, who was shot on Tuesday, Dev. 5, 2017, by a burglary suspect who then shot and killed himself. This photo was released by authorities. The burglary suspect, Chad Klahs, 29, shot OConnor before fatally shooting himself, all while handcuffed in the back of OConnors police SUV.
OConnor underwent a five-hour surgery after the shooting and in the following weeks continued to receive medical treatment that included more surgeries and a medically induced coma at St. Anthony's Medical Center and SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital. He was transferred to Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colo., earlier this month.
The hospital is renowned for spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation, and O'Connor become at least the fourth St. Louis area police officer to be treated there.