How John Thompson Survived Losing
The Accident
In January 1992, 18-year-old John Thompson of Hurdsfield, North Dakota, lost both arms in a farm accident.
After slipping into a power takeoff, he woke to find “both of his arms were gone.” Alone and bleeding, he managed to open his front door with his teeth and dial a phone number with his nose and a pencil.
The Surgery
Doctors rushed him to Minneapolis, where Dr. Allen Van Beek performed a six-hour operation to reattach his arms. Despite massive blood loss, Thompson amazed reporters weeks later when he “managed to lift his arms at a news conference.”
Fame and Challenges
Thompson received gifts from celebrities, met President Bill Clinton, and became a public speaker promoting farm safety. Still, he admitted the media attention was overwhelming and stalkers followed him.
Life After
He later wrote Home in One Piece, battled depression, and adapted to limited arm function. “I’m used to doing things my way,” Thompson said.
