Darrell Lillie’s Road to Recovery at St. John’s Health

For Darrell Lillie, Jackson Hole is more than just a destination—it’s a second home. For 34 years, he’s made the annual journey from Illinois to the Tetons to pursue his passion for archery hunting and reconnect with the great outdoors.

This past September, Darrell set out alone, eager to enjoy the peaceful solitude of the backcountry near Dubois. But as he prepared his horses, an unexpected incident changed the course of his trip. While saddling his horse to fetch water, it suddenly reared. In an attempt to dismount, Darrell became caught on his bow, and before he could free himself, the horse fell, crushing his pelvis.

In a state of shock, Darrell activated his SPOT satellite device and pressed the SOS button. "I knew I wasn’t paralyzed because I could wiggle my toes, but my legs wouldn’t work," Darrell recalls. Emergency responders arrived quickly and airlifted him to St. John’s Health.

In the days that followed, Darrell underwent surgery to stabilize his pelvis with plates and screws. His recovery was complicated by collapsed lungs and the need for a ventilator. Through it all, Darrell leaned on the support of his family and caregivers at St. John’s Health, who not only provided top-notch care, but also gave him the strength to keep fighting.

A key figure in Darrell’s recovery was his orthopedic trauma and fracture specialist, Dr. Jason Provus. “He’s my hero,” Darrell said. “When we first spoke after surgery, he told me, ‘I promise you, Darrell—it will get better every day,’ and it did.” Darrell credits Dr. Provus for breaking down complex medical details into simple terms, allowing him to easily understand his recovery process and the path ahead. “He’s the kind of guy I could sit down and have a beer with,” Darrell added with a smile.

After a few weeks in the ICU, Darrell transitioned to St. John’s Health’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF), where a team of physical therapists quickly became more like friends than caregivers. “They’ve been incredible,” Darrell shared. “They pushed me when I needed it, but always at a pace that felt right for me.”

The Teton views and frequent elk sightings outside his window inspired Darrell to power through each day of rehab. And in just under four weeks after the accident, Darrell regained enough strength to return home to Illinois.

As he reflected on his journey, Darrell shared his profound sense of gratitude: “I’m not just thankful for the care I received, but for the people who helped me find the will to keep moving forward.”

Looking ahead, Darrell’s goal is clear—he plans to return to the backcountry by next fall. “I’ll be back next year,” he said with a firm determination. “This accident won’t stop me from embracing my passion for this place. In fact, it’s given me a renewed appreciation for the wild.”