photo by: Mike Yoder

Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical crews gather around a pond near Free State High School where a 16-year-old boy was injured Monday, May 9, 2016. A medical helicopter is visible in the background.

The 16-year-old boy who was injured last month after he dove into a retention pond near Free State High School is paralyzed as a result.

Kaleb Hatman, who was a sophomore at Free State at the time, injured his spine and is now paralyzed from the chest down. Hatman remains in a rehabilitation center, where he has been learning to use a wheelchair.

Hatman said he doesn’t recall much from the day of his injury, but he does remember that another student helped him out of the pond. Kardal Hart, 19, pulled Hatman from the water. The two had not met prior to that day.

“It was very brave of him, and honestly he really didn’t have to do that because of my own (stupidity), but I’m glad that he did,” Hatman said.

When the incident occurred on May 9, Hart had been walking past the pond on his way back to school and saw Hatman dive in and appear to hit his head. Hart said he then entered the pond himself, swam out to Hatman and pulled him to the shore. Emergency responders soon arrived at the scene.

Hatman was flown to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., before being transferred to Kansas University Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. Within a few days, Hart made a visit to the hospital to see Hatman.

“His family contacted me and they wanted me to come and see him; I guess he asked for me,” Hart said. “He wanted somebody to get a hold of me and get me to come see him so he could say thanks and everything.”

Hart said the meeting was emotional for everyone, and the two have since become friends. Hatman said he considers Hart part of his family now.

“It really makes my day, honestly, to see him,” Hatman said.

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Students at both Lawrence high schools have open lunch and are allowed to leave campus during the 25-minute period as long as they return to their classes on time. During their breaks, students are said to frequently gather near the pond, which is located off school grounds near Theatre Lawrence, 4660 Bauer Farm Drive.

Lawrence school district spokeswoman Julie Boyle said schools do not have the ability or the authority to supervise students off campus, but that Free State High School’s focus will continue to be on educating students about personal safety.

In addition to the spinal injury, Hatman said he bruised ligaments in his neck and still has to wear a neck and back brace. Despite his injuries, Hatman said he is feeling “pretty good.” At the same time, he said he realizes that having a disability will present limitations.

“I know there are certain jobs I can’t do, but it’s opening my eyes to other areas and stuff that could be possible opportunities for me,” he said.

In the meantime, Hatman is continuing his rehabilitation at the hospital, and said he has been making progress.

“What we’ve been doing is working on wheelchairs and everything, trying to find the right one,” Hatman said. “There was a Hoyer (lift) that would lift me up and put me in the chair, but now I’m using a wooden board between me and whatever platform I’m sitting on.”

Hatman said he hopes to be released from the rehabilitation center next week. Hart visited the hospital for a second time this past weekend, and said that he plans to make another visit before Hatman is released.

“I’m pretty sure we’re going to stay in touch,” said Hart, who graduated from Free State in May.

It is unlikely Hatman will return to the Lawrence school district. He is currently a ward of the state and said that he was between foster care homes at the time he was injured. Hatman said his family situation has since improved, and that he has been making arrangements to live with relatives in Gladstone, Mo.

“I’ll be going with my aunt and uncle,” Hatman said. “I’m not really sure about plans, but I’m just happy to go back with my family.”