Welcome home, Thatcher: Community invited to celebrate return

This Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, marks a moment of triumph and resilience as Thatcher Skolout returns to McCook after nine months of hospitalization and rehabilitation. Thatcher, whose story of recovery has been closely followed by the community since a life-altering explosion in March, will arrive home just in time for Christmas.

The community is invited to join in a heartfelt welcome by gathering along Norris Avenue at 4:30 p.m. in front of MNB. This gathering represents a culmination of the prayers, encouragement, and support McCook has offered Thatcher and his family throughout their challenging journey.

Thatcher’s ordeal began on March 11, 2024, when a propane tank explosion left him with critical injuries. According to law enforcement, the accident occurred while Thatcher was attempting to convert an empty propane tank into a smoker. Despite taking safety measures – including wearing a respirator and using water to displace residual vapors – an undetected pocket of gas ignited when his cutting torch made contact.

The explosion’s location was not immediately known, causing a delay in response. Concerned neighbors eventually found Thatcher, who is their 24-year-old son, and called emergency services. He was rushed to Community Hospital in McCook and later flown to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney for intensive care.

Thatcher remained in the ICU for three and a half weeks before being transferred to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Omaha, where he spent three months undergoing therapy and regaining strength. From there, he moved to QLI in Omaha for more intensive physical rehabilitation.

Throughout this time, the McCook community rallied around Thatcher and his family. His wife, Shelby, shared updates, expressing gratitude for the prayers and support and acknowledging the difficult road ahead.

Now, as Thatcher returns home, his journey of healing continues with outpatient therapy. The community’s unwavering support has been a vital part of his recovery, and this homecoming is an opportunity for McCook to show its love and pride for Thatcher once more.

Organizers hope to make this welcome as warm and memorable as Thatcher, his family and the spirit of the holiday deserve.