Man who fell from I-244 during Tulsa protest broke his neck and back, remains in ICU | Local

Although the Oklahoma Highway Patrol has not identified the victim, family members told the Tulsa World that Wright has undergone two surgeries this week as a result of the fall, which broke several vertebrae in his neck and lower back.

Wright, a father of five who is a welding inspector, is paralyzed from the chest down and faces extensive rehabilitation.

“There’s no indication of spinal damage at this time, so they’re very hopeful that once his body starts healing and the swelling goes down, the pressure relief from that will give him function,” Wright’s older brother, Randy Wright, said.

Before the highway incident on Sunday, Ryan Wright attended a peaceful Black Lives Matter rally downtown with his brother and several other members of his family.

“We’re native, and there’s a long history of injustices against our people (American Indians), as well,” Randy Wright said. “Any way we can take a stand to promote equality and justice for everyone, we will absolutely always be there.”

Much of the crowd moved from the rally to nearby I-244, where the situation intensified when a pickup pulling a horse trailer was stopped by protesters on the highway. Ryan Wright was not in front of the truck but was pushed off the overpass when it went through, falling more than 20 feet onto the ground below.

“We were by the on-ramp,” Randy Wright said. “That crowd dispersed so fast and went straight to the (shoulder). That’s where I got pushed up against it, and I even thought to myself, ‘I hope somebody doesn’t push me off this.’”

Ryan Wright got separated from the rest of his group amid the mayhem, and no one could find him. A stranger answered his phone and alerted the family to what happened below, and they all rushed to get to him.

“It was terrifying to see him like that,” his brother said. “His first words that I heard were: ‘I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe. I’m suffocating. I can’t breathe.’ The panic that went through my body was just overwhelming. I kept saying, ‘I’m here; you’re not alone.’”

Chelsea Ridener, a 23-year-old nurse who graduated from the University of Tulsa last month, was among rally attendees in the medical field who quickly went to Wright’s aid.

“We looked over, and there was a man lying (on the ground),” Ridener said. “I just immediately ran over there because I knew somebody needed help and I have that skill set.

“I just listened to his lungs and did all the quick assessment stuff because he said he wasn’t able to breathe. He was moving air (in and out), and he could move his arms, but he couldn’t feel or move his legs at all. … I think he was panicking, but he also started coughing up blood.”

Wright had a minor heart attack from the trauma, and those nearby started praying for him until an ambulance arrived.

Two other people received less significant injuries when the truck drove through, according to the Highway Patrol.

“It’s amazing and overwhelming to have that support,” Randy Wright said.

Described as a “family guy” who spends his time at his kids’ wrestling tournaments and band concerts, Ryan Wright also is known for his sense of humor and selfless spirit.

“He has a heart of gold, always wanting to help and always willing to step in,” his brother said.

Gallery: Protests in Tulsa end with tear gas, pepper balls after truck drove through crowd