Austin recovers from workplace accident at Hwashin – The Greenville Advocate

At 8:30 a.m. on June 1, Hunter Austin of Minter was working on the production line at Hwashin America Corporation in Greenville when the 300-ton press he was operating fell on his right arm and hand, crushing both.

Austin’s wife, RayAnn Neamon, recently nominated him for the “My Dad, My Hero” contest run by the Greenville Advocate’s sister newspaper, The Lowndes Signal, because of the selfless way he cares for her and their sons, James, 1, and Hunter Jr., 3.

Neamon said Austin always seemed to think about his family’s well-being, and the accident made her realize how much he put his family’s needs above his own.

“On the way to Baptist South Hospital, he wasn’t worried about what was wrong with him or the pain he was in,” Neamon said. “He was concerned about how he was going to work to pay our bills and provide for me and his children. After nearly six hours of surgery and the loss of two fingers, this amazing man’s only concern was how he was going to hold our newborn and lift our children.”

Austin expressed that he is proud that his family understands his care and considers him their hero.

“I think pride is the best thing I can say right now,” he said. “I can’t think of any other words. I’m just happy that they see me like this.”

Since the accident, Austin is learning to use his hand again and is unsure if and when he will be able to return to work in production. But despite recent challenges, he is motivated to stay positive and be a role model for his children.

“Seeing the smiles on your children’s faces helps you get through the day, even the toughest days,” he said.

The couple is expecting their third child in October. Austin said he knows what an important role he plays for his children.

“I have these boys who look at me and if I’m not happy, they sense it and take advantage of it,” Austin said. “Not many people think that fathers are important.”

However, Neamon is aware of the importance of fathers and looks at her husband especially through the lens of his accident.

“As a mother of our children who had to see him in that hospital room, I wish a lot of people wouldn’t take fathers for granted so much,” Neamon said. “My children almost didn’t have a father. It could have been a lot worse. So I wish people wouldn’t take the time they spend with their children for granted.”