May 5, 2009
KELLY PEET Q&A: Shot in Head While Taking Photos, Victim Still Has Long Path to Recovery
'Freak Accident' or 'Criminal Matter' Still Under Investigation
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) --- “God saved me for a purpose,” writes 47-year-old Kelly Peet, who on April 4 was shot in the face while shooting scenic photography with her three German Shepherds. “The bullet struck my jaw and disintegrated, it then traveled down and struck my voice box and the area where the flap works so that you can swallow or get air.”
After she was shot, the woman struggled to a nearby porch. The girlfriend of the man who fired the shot called an ambulance.
Based on a WCHS-TV interview, Darrell Cadie said, “I’m deeply sorry. It wasn’t intentional.” The man claims that coyotes had plagued the rural area and when he saw something in the distance (perhaps one of her animals) , and fired a warning shot . “I fired a quick round to scare it off; I couldn’t see anybody,” Cadie told WCHS-TV. (See First Person Story for Links to WCHS TV video.)
However, Kelly and her family question how the shooting could be a “freak accident,” since she was lying on the ground taking pictures.
Ms. Peet has now been released from the hospital, but she’s still a long way from recovering. She can’t swallow food or liquids. Her jaws are wired shut after reconstructive surgery, but wired or not her voice box has been damaged, so she still cannot speak. She has a PEG tube in her stomach.
“I’m still pouring my liquid nutrition that I have to make from scratch down the tube,” Peet wrote. Since she suffers from a poisoning known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) , the woman must purchase expensive raw organic foods that “takes me between one and two hours to prepare. I use my juicer to liquefy it.”
The shooting victim who spent about a month in St. Mary’s Hospital has no health insurance. She had been in the process of applying for Social Security Disability when she was shot. She is a veteran, having served 15 months in the armed forces, before discharge due to a stress fractures.
Since Kelly cannot speak, HNN interviewed her via email:
HNN: The Gazette article says you had previously been in the Army. If so, how did the survivor training kick in... or, was it more God given instinct to seek help? How far did you go? (Where did you serve in the Armed Forces, how long?)
I was only in the Military for 15 months and didn't really get any survivor training other than learning how to shoot, throw grenades, shoot machine guns, and put up a tent. I was stationed at Ft. Gordon GA and was involved in a big test of communications equipment. I went to the sites and collected the data. Was released on an honorable because of severe stress fractures in my bones caused by training.
It was just God given instinct to seek help. I knew that I would die without it. I had to walk approximately 1000-2000 feet to the closest house.
HNN: Did the alleged shooter attempt to apologize..... or, just say he thought you were a coyote?
I don't remember if he apologized when I showed up at his door or not. But he didn't apologize or contact me the following month that I was in the hospital. He kept changing what he had been shooting at. One moment he would say dog, and then later he would say coyote. I remember this very well because I was sitting in the yard just using my senses to try and absorb and remember as much as I could.
HNN: What were you thoughts waiting for help and going to the hospital? Did you know how severely injured you were, did you fear dying?
Yes, I knew how serious I was injured and knew that I wasn't going to make it unless it was God's will. The walk for help is where I really had time to think about these thoughts. On that walk I made my peace with God and asked forgiveness for my sins. I was ready to go to heaven if that is what God wanted, but if that wasn't his wishes I knew he would expect me to give life a fighting shot. While waiting for help I wrote out all my important information that I could think of since I couldn't speak. I wrote whom I was, where I lived, phone number and important people to contact, etc. I was actually pretty busy up until the ambulance arrived. The ambulance ride was actually the quite time. There was nothing more for me to do except keep my breathing calm and steady, and pray. I didn't pray for God to let me live...I prayed for God's will to be done. I had no fear of death....what is there to fear when you are a Christian who is right with God? If I died, I would be with God in heaven, which is a much better place than here on Earth.
HNN: Tell me about the necessary surgeries at the hospital. How long will your jaw be wire (or was it wired), are you still using a feeding tube (is there a time range for weaning you yet), will you require any plastic surgery or PT?
The first surgery was to open up my throat for exploratory surgery and to keep my airways open since they were swelling shut. I was then sent to ICU for a week.
The second Surgery was to place a tracheotomy in my throat that went to my lungs. This kept my airways open and allowed me to breath through my throat.
The third Surgery was for gathering up the bone fragments in my face and reassembling them with metal to recreate my jaw since a large section had been obliterated. Once the cosmetic surgery was finished it was going to take at least three to four weeks to heal, so they wired it shut. This is now my third week if I remember correctly, and tomorrow I visit the doctor to see how it is coming.
I also had the feeding tubes that went down my nose to my stomach, but kept coughing them out, or they just came out while feeding. This was a real nightmare. Finally they put a feeding tube directly through from the outside of my stomach. This is called a peg tube and was the most painful surgery I had, and it still hurts almost a week later. There is no weaning to any of this, it's just a matter of waiting until my body parts heal and begin to work.
My voice box was injured, and I was unsure if I would be able to talk again, but as of today I can now whisper. So it looks very hopeful.
Until my flap in my throat begins to work right I can't eat or drink anything without it going into my lungs. Once more it is just a matter of letting it heal and see if it will work correctly.
I may need speech therapy to re-learn how to speak.
HNN: You were treated at St. Mary’s Hospital in both the ICU and private room. You don’t have any health insurance. Previously, you asked for donations on the medical bills. Where do people send them?
We've had about five responses so far with people saying they will donate money but without specific amounts being mentioned. They can send them to...
Kelly Peet
347 Riverview Rd.
Pliny, WV 25082 or they can donate online using PayPal and a credit card on my website: http://www.kellypeel.com
HNN: How did you develop an interest in dog/live stock photography? How long have you been doing it? Have you previously had anything published or worked professionally? I assume Shepherds are your favorite dog.
I used to be a computer professional before becoming sick with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). I tried several other businesses, but they failed.
In the meantime I just took pictures of my German Shepherds, landscape, sunset, sunrise, old farm buildings, and old farm equipment as a hobby. I believed my photos to be really good, and most people who see them believe that I can be a professional. Therefore I decided to try and make a living doing what I love which is combining dog and landscape photos to come up with some really original work. I believe studio photos are boring. I love working with the natural light and the outdoor elements to capture a dog....being a dog. Sniffing, running, pausing, leaping, running, playing, digging for varmints, etc and capturing them in the special lighting that you can only get outdoors. I think if you can capture a dog doing all these things in a natural environment, the same will apply towards other animals. I'm also a big horse lover and used to work professionally with them, so I know that I will do well in horse photography as well.
At this point I have been putting together my Internet portfolio, and optimizing my websites http://www.kellypeet.com and http://www.puppymatrix.com for search engines. I still haven't taken the next step to become a professional. I guess you could say that I have been setting up my shop.
I began taking photos seriously while in college and took photos for the school newspapers. Later I let it slide for many years, and just began to get back into taking photos around 2004. I'm sure that I have taken 100's of thousands of photos since then. Sometimes I take 4000 photos in one day. This is easy to do with digital cameras.
No, at this point I haven't had my work published or worked professionally in photography, but while I'm recuperating this might be a good time to get some of my work out there.
Yes, I love the German Shepherds. I've owned about four different dog breeds, but none of them had all of the following German Shepherd qualities of beauty, intelligence. willingness to please, great family dog, athletic, non-hyper, and a homebody even without a fence. I used to think Rottweilers were my favorite, but after owning German Shepherds they just can't compare. The German Shepherds are just more willing to please and not as stubborn as the Rottwielers. The GSD's fit my life perfectly, and I think that is the key to selecting the type of dog you own. It must match up with your personality, lifestyle, and needs.
HNN: Have you had the chemical complication your entire life? What's the worst aspect of it?
No. I just developed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity about three years ago. The worst part is that you become a hermit. You can't mingle with people anymore because everyone is smothered in fragrance chemicals. These are just some of the fragrances that people wear without even thinking about how the end result will be. Perfume, hairspray, shampoo, cream rinse, body lotion, shaving cream, after shave, deodorant, laundry detergent and dryer sheet odors on clothes (the dryer sheet odors and perfume are among the worst.)
My nose is excellent because I'm not constantly assaulting it with all these odors, and most people don't have a clue how they really smell. But once all these chemicals get mingling with body chemistry, the odor is often very repulsive, in addition to making me very ill. I quickly develop asthma type of attacks, migraine headaches, blurred vision, short-term memory loss, cognitive problems, co-ordination difficulties, and various other symptoms when exposed to the fragrances. Not only this, but many of these fragrances contain some really harmful chemicals within that may cause nervous system damage, or even death.
People just don't understand how deadly many of these fragrances are, and I haven't even mentioned the chemical cleaners, air fresheners, etc.
I don't have any problems or allergies to things God made such as flowers, pollen, etc. Only have problems with manmade chemicals.
HNN: You have kept a strong faith. Were there times that you felt like giving up or questioned your faith?
No...I never faltered. My faith just grew stronger with every moment. I prayed, read the Bible, and had many people praying for me. God is molding and sculpting me to be the type of person he wants me to become, and this tragedy is just part of that process.
HNN: What type of continuing treatment will you need, is there a time frame for recovery, what would you like to do afterwards?
I'm not sure on how much continuing treatment I will need. My jaw is still swollen, and I have nerve damage in my face. At this time it's numb on about 50% on the right side of my face, tongue, lips, etc.
In addition, I'm still hoping that my speech, and ability to swallow will return. There is no time frame on these....it all just depends on how fast and how much I heal.
Afterwards, I'd still love to turn pro. photographer!
HNN: What's the status of any charges against the alleged shooter.. I’m assuming the incident is still under investigation.
They are in the process of deciding if it is a criminal act or an accident. They were waiting until I could talk. But what if I had died in the hospital and the only statement they had was from the man who shot me? I've been physically and mentally capable of giving a written statement since the first day of the shooting. What if I can never speak again?
My father called them the other day 1 month after I was shot, and brought up these points. I was then given the opportunity to make a statement, give my side of what happened, ask some questions, and show the officer where I had actually been shot since they had the incorrect location.
(Editor’s Note: You can view the beautiful pictures of the animals and scenery she has shot, by clicking any of these sites:
http://www.puppymatrix.com,
http://www.kellypeet.com, or
http://www.flickr.com/photos/puppymatrix_com/?saved=1
Share This Story:
Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
KELLY PEET Q&A: Shot in Head While Taking Photos, Victim Still Has Long Path to Recovery
'Freak Accident' or 'Criminal Matter' Still Under Investigation
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) --- “God saved me for a purpose,” writes 47-year-old Kelly Peet, who on April 4 was shot in the face while shooting scenic photography with her three German Shepherds. “The bullet struck my jaw and disintegrated, it then traveled down and struck my voice box and the area where the flap works so that you can swallow or get air.”
After she was shot, the woman struggled to a nearby porch. The girlfriend of the man who fired the shot called an ambulance.
Based on a WCHS-TV interview, Darrell Cadie said, “I’m deeply sorry. It wasn’t intentional.” The man claims that coyotes had plagued the rural area and when he saw something in the distance (perhaps one of her animals) , and fired a warning shot . “I fired a quick round to scare it off; I couldn’t see anybody,” Cadie told WCHS-TV. (See First Person Story for Links to WCHS TV video.)
However, Kelly and her family question how the shooting could be a “freak accident,” since she was lying on the ground taking pictures.
Ms. Peet has now been released from the hospital, but she’s still a long way from recovering. She can’t swallow food or liquids. Her jaws are wired shut after reconstructive surgery, but wired or not her voice box has been damaged, so she still cannot speak. She has a PEG tube in her stomach.
“I’m still pouring my liquid nutrition that I have to make from scratch down the tube,” Peet wrote. Since she suffers from a poisoning known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) , the woman must purchase expensive raw organic foods that “takes me between one and two hours to prepare. I use my juicer to liquefy it.”
The shooting victim who spent about a month in St. Mary’s Hospital has no health insurance. She had been in the process of applying for Social Security Disability when she was shot. She is a veteran, having served 15 months in the armed forces, before discharge due to a stress fractures.
Since Kelly cannot speak, HNN interviewed her via email:
HNN: The Gazette article says you had previously been in the Army. If so, how did the survivor training kick in... or, was it more God given instinct to seek help? How far did you go? (Where did you serve in the Armed Forces, how long?)
I was only in the Military for 15 months and didn't really get any survivor training other than learning how to shoot, throw grenades, shoot machine guns, and put up a tent. I was stationed at Ft. Gordon GA and was involved in a big test of communications equipment. I went to the sites and collected the data. Was released on an honorable because of severe stress fractures in my bones caused by training.
It was just God given instinct to seek help. I knew that I would die without it. I had to walk approximately 1000-2000 feet to the closest house.
HNN: Did the alleged shooter attempt to apologize..... or, just say he thought you were a coyote?
I don't remember if he apologized when I showed up at his door or not. But he didn't apologize or contact me the following month that I was in the hospital. He kept changing what he had been shooting at. One moment he would say dog, and then later he would say coyote. I remember this very well because I was sitting in the yard just using my senses to try and absorb and remember as much as I could.
HNN: What were you thoughts waiting for help and going to the hospital? Did you know how severely injured you were, did you fear dying?
Yes, I knew how serious I was injured and knew that I wasn't going to make it unless it was God's will. The walk for help is where I really had time to think about these thoughts. On that walk I made my peace with God and asked forgiveness for my sins. I was ready to go to heaven if that is what God wanted, but if that wasn't his wishes I knew he would expect me to give life a fighting shot. While waiting for help I wrote out all my important information that I could think of since I couldn't speak. I wrote whom I was, where I lived, phone number and important people to contact, etc. I was actually pretty busy up until the ambulance arrived. The ambulance ride was actually the quite time. There was nothing more for me to do except keep my breathing calm and steady, and pray. I didn't pray for God to let me live...I prayed for God's will to be done. I had no fear of death....what is there to fear when you are a Christian who is right with God? If I died, I would be with God in heaven, which is a much better place than here on Earth.
HNN: Tell me about the necessary surgeries at the hospital. How long will your jaw be wire (or was it wired), are you still using a feeding tube (is there a time range for weaning you yet), will you require any plastic surgery or PT?
The first surgery was to open up my throat for exploratory surgery and to keep my airways open since they were swelling shut. I was then sent to ICU for a week.
The second Surgery was to place a tracheotomy in my throat that went to my lungs. This kept my airways open and allowed me to breath through my throat.
The third Surgery was for gathering up the bone fragments in my face and reassembling them with metal to recreate my jaw since a large section had been obliterated. Once the cosmetic surgery was finished it was going to take at least three to four weeks to heal, so they wired it shut. This is now my third week if I remember correctly, and tomorrow I visit the doctor to see how it is coming.
I also had the feeding tubes that went down my nose to my stomach, but kept coughing them out, or they just came out while feeding. This was a real nightmare. Finally they put a feeding tube directly through from the outside of my stomach. This is called a peg tube and was the most painful surgery I had, and it still hurts almost a week later. There is no weaning to any of this, it's just a matter of waiting until my body parts heal and begin to work.
My voice box was injured, and I was unsure if I would be able to talk again, but as of today I can now whisper. So it looks very hopeful.
Until my flap in my throat begins to work right I can't eat or drink anything without it going into my lungs. Once more it is just a matter of letting it heal and see if it will work correctly.
I may need speech therapy to re-learn how to speak.
HNN: You were treated at St. Mary’s Hospital in both the ICU and private room. You don’t have any health insurance. Previously, you asked for donations on the medical bills. Where do people send them?
We've had about five responses so far with people saying they will donate money but without specific amounts being mentioned. They can send them to...
Kelly Peet
347 Riverview Rd.
Pliny, WV 25082 or they can donate online using PayPal and a credit card on my website: http://www.kellypeel.com
HNN: How did you develop an interest in dog/live stock photography? How long have you been doing it? Have you previously had anything published or worked professionally? I assume Shepherds are your favorite dog.
I used to be a computer professional before becoming sick with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). I tried several other businesses, but they failed.
In the meantime I just took pictures of my German Shepherds, landscape, sunset, sunrise, old farm buildings, and old farm equipment as a hobby. I believed my photos to be really good, and most people who see them believe that I can be a professional. Therefore I decided to try and make a living doing what I love which is combining dog and landscape photos to come up with some really original work. I believe studio photos are boring. I love working with the natural light and the outdoor elements to capture a dog....being a dog. Sniffing, running, pausing, leaping, running, playing, digging for varmints, etc and capturing them in the special lighting that you can only get outdoors. I think if you can capture a dog doing all these things in a natural environment, the same will apply towards other animals. I'm also a big horse lover and used to work professionally with them, so I know that I will do well in horse photography as well.
At this point I have been putting together my Internet portfolio, and optimizing my websites http://www.kellypeet.com and http://www.puppymatrix.com for search engines. I still haven't taken the next step to become a professional. I guess you could say that I have been setting up my shop.
I began taking photos seriously while in college and took photos for the school newspapers. Later I let it slide for many years, and just began to get back into taking photos around 2004. I'm sure that I have taken 100's of thousands of photos since then. Sometimes I take 4000 photos in one day. This is easy to do with digital cameras.
No, at this point I haven't had my work published or worked professionally in photography, but while I'm recuperating this might be a good time to get some of my work out there.
Yes, I love the German Shepherds. I've owned about four different dog breeds, but none of them had all of the following German Shepherd qualities of beauty, intelligence. willingness to please, great family dog, athletic, non-hyper, and a homebody even without a fence. I used to think Rottweilers were my favorite, but after owning German Shepherds they just can't compare. The German Shepherds are just more willing to please and not as stubborn as the Rottwielers. The GSD's fit my life perfectly, and I think that is the key to selecting the type of dog you own. It must match up with your personality, lifestyle, and needs.
HNN: Have you had the chemical complication your entire life? What's the worst aspect of it?
No. I just developed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity about three years ago. The worst part is that you become a hermit. You can't mingle with people anymore because everyone is smothered in fragrance chemicals. These are just some of the fragrances that people wear without even thinking about how the end result will be. Perfume, hairspray, shampoo, cream rinse, body lotion, shaving cream, after shave, deodorant, laundry detergent and dryer sheet odors on clothes (the dryer sheet odors and perfume are among the worst.)
My nose is excellent because I'm not constantly assaulting it with all these odors, and most people don't have a clue how they really smell. But once all these chemicals get mingling with body chemistry, the odor is often very repulsive, in addition to making me very ill. I quickly develop asthma type of attacks, migraine headaches, blurred vision, short-term memory loss, cognitive problems, co-ordination difficulties, and various other symptoms when exposed to the fragrances. Not only this, but many of these fragrances contain some really harmful chemicals within that may cause nervous system damage, or even death.
People just don't understand how deadly many of these fragrances are, and I haven't even mentioned the chemical cleaners, air fresheners, etc.
I don't have any problems or allergies to things God made such as flowers, pollen, etc. Only have problems with manmade chemicals.
HNN: You have kept a strong faith. Were there times that you felt like giving up or questioned your faith?
No...I never faltered. My faith just grew stronger with every moment. I prayed, read the Bible, and had many people praying for me. God is molding and sculpting me to be the type of person he wants me to become, and this tragedy is just part of that process.
HNN: What type of continuing treatment will you need, is there a time frame for recovery, what would you like to do afterwards?
I'm not sure on how much continuing treatment I will need. My jaw is still swollen, and I have nerve damage in my face. At this time it's numb on about 50% on the right side of my face, tongue, lips, etc.
In addition, I'm still hoping that my speech, and ability to swallow will return. There is no time frame on these....it all just depends on how fast and how much I heal.
Afterwards, I'd still love to turn pro. photographer!
HNN: What's the status of any charges against the alleged shooter.. I’m assuming the incident is still under investigation.
They are in the process of deciding if it is a criminal act or an accident. They were waiting until I could talk. But what if I had died in the hospital and the only statement they had was from the man who shot me? I've been physically and mentally capable of giving a written statement since the first day of the shooting. What if I can never speak again?
My father called them the other day 1 month after I was shot, and brought up these points. I was then given the opportunity to make a statement, give my side of what happened, ask some questions, and show the officer where I had actually been shot since they had the incorrect location.
(Editor’s Note: You can view the beautiful pictures of the animals and scenery she has shot, by clicking any of these sites:
http://www.puppymatrix.com,
http://www.kellypeet.com, or
http://www.flickr.com/photos/puppymatrix_com/?saved=1
Share This Story:
Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
