Teen in ATV Accident Dies From Injuries

By Lilly Adkins

BSN Associate Editor

INEZ — Martin County High School Senior, Phillip Michaellee Speakman, 18, of Inez, who was involved in an ATV accident November 18, succumbed to his injuries on Dec. 8, at the University of Kentucky Hospital while holding his mommy and daddy’s hand while his baby brother, Chrisotpher stood at his bedside, according to his obituary.

Speakman was a member of the old Jennings Creek Baptist Church where he was saved and baptized by Ray Staton and Mikey Newsome on Oct. 1, of this year during a revival.

Speakman enjoyed the outdoors, but fishing, hunting and coon hunting were his all-time favorite.

“Phillip would always give Ray and Hanna a hard time over who had the best hound. Ol’ Hooker was his and boy did he think she was a number one hound,” the obituary said.

Speakman is survived by his parents, Clayton and Tammy Speakman of Inez; one brother, Christopher Speakman; two sisters, Hazalena and Dashia Speakman; his grandma, Sandy Mills; his grandpas, Curtis Lee Bowen and Michael Mills; great grandmas, Maxine Marcum, Laura Bowen and Lois Meade; his POPS, Robins Spence; his Mamaw, Brenda Sissy Sheretta Spence and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Crum Funeral Home with Ray Staton officiating. Burial will follow at the Mollett Cemetery in Tomahawk. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the funeral home to assist with funeral costs. Arrangements are under the direction of Crum Funeral Home in Inez.

Originally a Go Fund Me account was established for Speakman by family member, Samantha Carter to help with medical expenses, transportation expenses as well as day to day expenses following the accident.

Sam Carter has now organized a fundraiser for help with funeral expenses.

“It is with great sadness that I am sharing this on behalf of Phillip. As some of you know, Phillip Speakman passed away Dec. 8. He fought a hard battle while being in the hospital for nearly three weeks,” Carter said in her Go Fund Me Post. “He’s leaving behind both parents and several siblings. To lose a child is something no parent ever wants to endure or should have to. His mother and father have struggled along the way with financial difficulties. If you have it in your heart to donate, the proceeds will go for Phillip’s funeral expenses. If you cannot donate, please do not hesitate to share, as this could make it into the hands of someone who can. All prayers are appreciated during this difficult time.”

As of Monday, $960 of a $3,000 goal had been raised.

Speakman was injured in an ATV accident at an unknown location, then transported by other riders to a residence at Maynard Flats where Patriot Ambulance Service responded and transported him to a hospital in South Williamson. He was later transferred to Pikeville Medical Center.

Family member Samantha Carter said in her original post on her Go Fund Me account that Speakman had suffered severe head trauma and had emergency surgery in Pikeville to relieve pressure on his brain and to repair a bleed. She also said he suffered a fracture to the base of his skull, facial fractures and contusions, a broken jaw and a broken rib.

Immediately after surgery, he was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center where he was placed on life support.

To donate go to Funeral Expenses For Phillip Speakman on Go Fund Me.

Carter is asking in her Go Fund Me Fundraiser for donations to help with all the medical expenses, transportation expenses as well as day to day expenses.

“Phillip’s mother Tammy and his father Clayton are staying by Phillip’s bedside, leaving several other children at home during this holiday. At this time things are not looking great, and we are hoping lift an ounce of weight off their shoulders,” Carter said in the fundraiser. “We appreciate any financial assistance you can provide. All collected funds will go directly to Phillip’s parents. Thank you for your time and donations. If you cannot donate, please send out a prayer or share this in regards to Phillip.”

As of Monday, $420 of a $3,000 goal had been raised. To donate, go to Fundraiser by Sam Carter : Please Help Donate To Philip Speakman (gofundme.com)