Reed is suffering from third degree burns to his face, neck and hands after his home fireplace exploded on Feb. 19. Sandra Snow, Reed’s wife, said he was released a week earlier than doctors estimated when he was initially hospitalized.
“We do not yet know whether he will require surgery on his left hand, but if so, that surgery would be down the line,” Snow said.
After waiting for his ventless fireplace unit to cool, Reed poured a new bottle of ethanol into the reservoir. He heard a sizzling sound and fire traveled up from the unit to the bottle, causing an ethanol explosion in his hands. He was smothered in fuel and fire.
“It looked like a big fireball targeted at him, taking the path of the pouring bottle to his hands,” Snow said. “What we didn’t know, didn’t have the first idea, is that ... (these fireplaces) have had a history of significant safety concerns,” Snow said.
Reed was rushed to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing and was then transferred to the Burn and Trauma Intensive Care Unit at the University of Michigan.
Snow said Reed is still continuing treatments and is improving every day. She said he can now walk for short amounts of time.
The doctors still do not know if skin grafts will be required.
Former and current students have reached out to Reed and his family.
“The level of love and support is really overwhelming. It is a blessing in a way,” Snow said. “To understand the impact he has on these students is just breathtaking.”
