'Walker' is able to go home

After months in area hospitals, the man known as "the walker" will be living with his brother.

By LOGAN NEILL, Times Staff Writer
Published January 1, 2008

SPRING HILL - John Kelly's new year will get off to a hopeful start. He gets to go home on Wednesday.

Three-and-a-half months after he was savagely beaten by two assailants, the 48-year-old man known as "the walker" by Hernando drivers who passed him for years as he roamed the local roadways is finally well enough to leave HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, his brother, George Kelly, said Monday.

"He's still got some big issues, but he's up and about," Kelly said. "He's going to come and live with me where he'll be safe and cared for."

George Kelly credits his brother's improved condition to the therapy he received from the HealthSouth staff, who he said "got him over some major humps" during his seven-week rehabilitation.

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office said that on the night of Sept. 20, John Kelly was walking along State Road 50 near the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative building on his way home to his modest trailer in Weeki Wachee when he was assaulted and robbed. Deputies later arrested Michael Raymond Vann, 23, and 17-year-old Jamie Lynn Tyson, both of whom were charged with attempted murder and armed robbery. Another 17-year-old, Anthony Steven Hawkins, was arrested on a conspiracy charge.

Authorities said the three beat Kelly unconscious with wooden sticks and then stole his backpack and $100. Kelly managed to stagger to a nearby fire station where he was airlifted to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa. He remained in critical condition for several weeks and had several surgeries to repair injuries to his face and head.

A resident of Weeki Wachee for about 10 years, Kelly is described by his brother as a man with mental challenges. A dislike for cars prompted him to travel everywhere by foot. Over the years, his journeys earned him the nickname "the walker" from drivers who passed him along Hernando County roads.

News of the attack on Kelly prompted an outpouring of support from the community. Various fundraisers were held around the county to help raise money for medical expenses.

Although he has taken some small steps in recent weeks, George Kelly said his brother is a long way from being his old self. Eating solid food is still a challenge, due to the damage to his face and jaw that he suffered during the attack.

"It's been a long road for him," George Kelly said. "The important thing is that he continues to be upbeat and positive. It will be great to have him back home."

Logan Neill can be reached at lneill@sptimes.com or 848-1435.

[Last modified December 31, 2007, 19:20:23]