Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Bessemer City, NC (WNN) - On August 29, 2026, a benefit rodeo was held at Price’s Arena off of Highway 274 for Turner Morris. Earlier this year, on June 13, 2026, Morris was attending a competition in Conyers, Georgia, when he exited the bucking chute. The horse went down, and Morris suffered a broken neck on impact. After being airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital, Morris quickly began showing signs of recovery despite damage to his spine.
Shortly after his injury, Morris was accepted into the Shepard’s Center in Atlanta to begin treatment. Despite the harrowing injury, following along with his recovery reveals something about Morris. His undeniable willpower. You would be hard-pressed to find a moment where the young man hasn’t put on a smile and faced every day with positivity. He quickly began various forms of therapy, and as soon as the 15th day of his recovery at the center, he was able to stop using a neck brace. He has consistently made friends with those around him and even while in pain, has found things to be grateful for.
In his updates, he shared details of the therapy he enjoyed, such as rebuilding motor coordination in his hands through painting, using Lincoln Logs, and participating in group activities with other patients, like laser tag. While Morris is unsure if he will ever walk again, he feels that every single day he is getting stronger thanks to his faith and the expertise at Shepard’s Center. As of August 3, 2026, his 51st day of recovery, he was able to transfer himself from the car and stay out all day. Four days later, he graduated from the Shepherd Center's Day Program, allowing him to be out of the hospital more often. Later in the month, on August 28, 2026, he completed the inpatient program after gaining skills such as standing up on his own.
The very next day, Morris was able to return to his home temporarily. This was accompanied by seeing his pets and farm animals, as well as attending his own benefit rodeo at Price’s Arena. He came forward to speak on how honored he felt to be supported like this.
"It feels good to be home. It feels good to come and see the love. For them to take the time to do an event for me like this is something special."
- Turner Morris
The event was organized by the Chicken Hill Bucking Broncos and, as previously stated, has raised over $15,000 so far. This was through entry proceeds, and many of the vendors pitched in. To support him, they held private auctions, bake sales, and other fundraisers. They are still collecting money for him from the photography sales that night.
There are several ways for you to help this young man, which are listed here:
Donating to the Turner Wildman Morris Benefit Auction Golf - this is a fundraising event to help Turner by auctioning off rounds of golf. Anywhere is accepted, and the contact is Grayson Gee at (704) 472-9068 or Phillip Gee at (704) 477-5500.
GoFundMe - Click here to donate directly to the TurnerTime GoFundMe, which has raised $9,605 toward the $26k goal.
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