Tyler Rockwell, a 12-year-old boy from North Carolina, is on the path to recovery after a distressing accident involving a 3D printer that resulted in severe burns to 35% of his body.
The incident occurred on June 12 when Tyler was attempting to join two pieces he had printed. While working outside on his patio, he used a damp paper towel to help melt the plastic. Unfortunately, the towel caught fire. Tyler recalled, “I got scared and I dropped it, and it was a windy day, so the wind blew it into the bottle of rubbing alcohol I had next to it and it blew up.”
His mother, Donavon Rockwell, was alerted to the situation by his screams. “I could smell him before I could see him. I could smell that something was burning,” she said. Emergency responders arrived promptly and took Tyler to UNC’s Burn Center for specialized treatment.
Tyler suffered second and third-degree burns, particularly affecting his right ear and hand. His treatment involved skin grafts, frequent cleanings, and medication to manage his severe pain. Initially, doctors anticipated a long hospital stay, but due to his remarkable resilience, Tyler was discharged after nearly three weeks.
As part of his ongoing recovery, he will wear compression sleeves and UV-protective clothing for at least the next year. Additionally, the incident has caused notable damage to his eyesight. Despite the severity of the situation, Donavon expressed gratitude, saying, “I know it could have been a lot worse. I’m glad he’s here and he’s alive.”
To assist with the medical expenses and recovery, friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe.