Cane Beds explosion victims still hospitalized; benefit concert planned

Burn victims Lyman Hammon, Samantha LeBaron and baby Emery, dates and locations not specified | Photos courtesy of Ruth Hammon

ST. GEORGE – Friday, a rock concert fundraiser will take place at Jazzy’s Rock n Roll Grill, 285 N. Bluff Street, to benefit a Cane Beds, Arizona, family whose trailer exploded in March, leaving a man, a woman and their infant daughter severely burned. On March 22, Lyman Hammon, 21, Samantha LeBaron, 19, their 18-month-old daughter Emery and a 15-year-old cousin, Desiree LeBaron, were inside the family’s Cane Beds trailer when the dwelling caught fire due to a propane tank explosion. All four were hospitalized. Desiree was released from the hospital a few weeks after the fire. Lyman Hammon, Samantha LeBaron and baby Emery remain hospitalized. “Each one will be in physical therapy six hours a day for a year or so,” Ruth Hammon, Lyman Hammon’s sister, said. “Emery will require many surgeries throughout her adolescence as she grows.”

Volunteers install windows at a new home being built for the Lyman Hammon family, May 24, 2014, Cane Beds, Arizona | Photo courtesy of Ruth Hammon

Lyman Hammon, who sustained burns to nearly 50 percent of his body, has undergone skin grafting surgeries and remains hospitalized in Salt Lake City, along with baby Emery. Samantha LeBaron, who received burns to 95 percent of her body, is in a burn unit at University Medical Center in Las Vegas. Part of one leg has been amputated along with the tips of her fingers due to the severity of her burns. “Because most of her body was burned, she does not have many donor sites to use for skin grafting. This makes a longer process for her,” Ruth Hammon said. “She has her beautiful face and smile – it was infectious when I saw her this evening. The amount of courage and strength she has is unbelievable. “Lyman and Samantha talk on the phone and even Skype occasionally. They love each other dearly and can’t wait to be together and, even more so, go home together – in their new home, that is. Samantha misses her baby so very much and struggles not being with her.”

Fire sprinklers are installed at a new home being built for the Lyman Hammon family, June 4, 2014, Cane Beds, Arizona | Photo courtesy of Ruth Hammon

Family, friends and community members have been working to build the Hammons a new house in Cane Beds, so they’ll have a home to return to once they are released from the hospital. Drywall is being put in this weekend, according to a Facebook page dedicated to the family, and volunteers are being sought to help with that project on Saturday along with other projects as the homebuilding effort continues. Those interested in helping or contributing are asked to contact Ianthius Barlow at 435-260-0286 or [email protected]. “Lyman and Samantha are incredibly grateful for all that is being done for them,” Ruth Hammon said. “They are overwhelmed by the love shown from complete strangers.” The benefit concert at Jazzy’s will begin at 8:30 p.m. Friday. Performers will include Chikano, House of Sons, Sala Tumanuvao, Edgar Campos, and Preacher’s Daughter and Beggar’s Son. The show will be appropriate for all ages, according to a Facebook events page for the concert. Admission is a suggested donation of $3 to $5 at the door. For those interested in helping the family, a donation account has been set up at Wells Fargo under “Lyman Hammon Benefit Fund,” account number 5905-081278. Donation websites have also been set up at GoFundMe and YouCaring. Update, June 6, 2014: We incorrectly reported that Desiree LeBaron was released from the hospital a few days after the fire. She was actually released a few weeks after the fire. We have made that correction in the story. Event details

  • When: Friday, June 6, 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: Jazzy’s Rock n Roll Grill, 285 N. Bluff St.
  • Admission: Suggested donation of $3 to $5
  • Website: Event Facebook page

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2 Comments

  • Ruth June 6, 2014 at 10:11 am

    Thank you for the follow up story. I want to note that Desiree was not released from the hospital for several weeks after the explosion. My apologies for not clearly communicating this. Continue to keep her in your thoughts as it was a horrific tragedy to endure. On behalf of Lyman, Samantha and their families, thank you for your support and prayers. The community has blessed the Hammon family; which Lyman and Samantha have a heart filled of gratitude because of it.

  • max June 11, 2014 at 7:14 pm

    Its good

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