Local Coach Lights ETMC Christmas Tree

TYLER — East Texas Medical Center Tyler celebrated its 24th annual Christmas tree lighting last night with former trauma patient and Whitehouse High School athletic director and head football coach Randy McFarlin lighting the tree.

McFarlin was injured November 28, 2010, when a pickup truck slammed into his vehicle seven miles east of Gilmer. McFarlin swerved to avoid the accident, but the truck hit the driver’s side door, trapping him inside. Once he was freed from the vehicle, McFarlin was flown by Air 1 to ETMC Tyler’s Level 1 Trauma Center in critical condition with internal injuries, fractured ribs and a fractured pelvis. He remained in intensive care for over a month, and this January he was moved to ETMC’s Rehabilitation Center. His wife Carolyn, son Craig and Craig’s now wife, Missy, were also injured, but were treated and released.

This will is the second year for ETMC to use its living Christmas tree, which was planted as part of the city of Tyler’s tree conservation program. The tree is located on the front lawn of the hospital and has grown several feet since last year.