Hats off to Phil Beatty. No, wait—hats on. Definitely on.
A short story of how a Stormy Kromer saved a life.
Well, this is a first. Even for us. We’ve had people get married in their Kromer caps. We’ve had people get buried in their Kromer caps. But we’ve never had a cap save someone’s life.
Until Phil Beatty went for a drive in Findlay, Ohio, on January 24th.
Phil is a Federal meat inspector, so he covers a lot of ground in and around Hancock County. And on this snowy morning, he was on his route when a snowplow snagged a small but heavy road reflector and flung it through the windshield of his van.
It was just one those things: unfortunately timed and uncannily accurate. Phil was struck from chin to forehead by the 10-pound projectile. It split his skull, caved his sinus cavity, and poked right through into his frontal lobe above the eyebrow. It also sent him into a two-week coma.
It didn’t, however, do all the damage it could have done.
The thick brim on Phil’s olive-colored Original
(the one he wears for “dress,” as opposed to the Rancher he wears for work at home)
was just enough to stop the reflector
from causing a mortal wound.
According to Phil’s friend, Dave Rupple, “If that puncture had gone any deeper, it would’ve killed him. The bill on his Kromer saved him, I’m sure of it.”
After a drugged and difficult month in the hospital, then an intensive, six-hour-per-day therapy schedule at Ohio State University, Phil is now doing well in outpatient therapy. He’s walking, talking and thinking about retiring.
That sounds like a pretty good plan to us, Phil, and we humbly tip our caps in your honor. We’re proud you wear a Kromer, and we’re happy to hear you’re doing well.
Reader interactions
18 Replies to “A short story of how a Stormy Kromer saved a life.”
Wow. Gave me chills. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Phil.
Hopefully we’ll stay in touch with Phil and post a follow-up story later this year…
Send that poor guy a free hat would ya!
We’ve got him covered!
sounds like he needs a new Kromer (hint, hint)
Don’t worry, we’ve taken care of him!
He’s one of our good friends- thanks for protecting him that day…xo
It’s great to hear from one of his friends! Let him know we’re all thinking about him. 🙂
Amazing story! He deserves a free hat to replace the one that saved his life!
Done. 🙂
Glad you’re BOTH made out of tough stuff!
Isn’t that the truth?
Phil, my friend and co-worker is doing very well. He very proudly showed me his new stormy kromer hat and shirt. Thanks for writing this article
Thanks for the note Roxanne! So glad to hear this!
I have worked with and known Phil for many years…this is a true miracle and I just got an update from Roxanne, Phil continues to make great progress!!
Thanks for letting us know, Matt!
I can’t tell you how special it is to read this story; Phil is our family friend. We had just left Phil’s home on the Monday before the accident…we had spent several days there while attending my mom’s funeral. It was such a horrible accident and your story describes one of the many miracles that contributed to Phil’s recovery. Thank you for sharing it!
Thanks for sharing Sue…we’re hoping to post another story soon with an update on how Phil is doing.