Doyle Hix of the Drapers Crossroads Community is recovering from 2nd and 3rd degree burns covering 35% of his upper body. On January 18, 2003, Mr. Hix accidentally set the flannel shirt he was wearing on fire. The circumstances as to how the fire started are still unknown, but his wife, Jennifer, thinks he may have gotten too close to a portable heater. Doyle was home alone at the time of the accident waiting for Constable Tom Dallas to discuss a hay transaction. When Constable Dallas arrived on the scene, he smelled a strange odor and upon seeing Mr. Hix, immediately summoned the Macon County EMS team which arrived at the scene in approximately 15 minutes.

Doyle was then treated and transported to Carthage General Hospital for further treatment. On January 24, 2003, he was transferred to the Critical Care Burn Unit at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville where he is undergoing surgeries and several skin grafts for his burns. Severe burns are one of the most complicated and dangerous injuries to recover from. Doctors say he has several months of intensive care and skin grafts as well as an extended rehabilitation period .

Doyle Hix is 60 years old, a retired logger, and a native of the Goose Horn Community. He retired from his logging business in 1996 due to health problems. He will be celebrating his birthday on February 23rd. Jennifer Hix, Doyle's wife of over 18 years, says that only immediate family can visit him but cards and letters would help Doyle with his recovery. If you would like to send him a card, send it to:

Doyle Hix

Room 4444-A

Vanderbilt Hospital RW Burn Unit

1211 22nd Avenue So.

Nashville, TN 37232