After trying unsuccessfully to reach Michelle, the girls, ages 9 and 12, quickly called their grandparents and 911. The 911 call came in between 8:00 and 8:05. Lincolnville has always been blessed to have an excellent volunteer Fire Department and emergency first responders, who often monitor emergency frequencies. Thankfully, last Tuesday was no exception. Fire Chief Ben Hazen and former Chief Mike Eugley both responded to the 911 call and were the first to arrive at David’s home on Slab City Rd., about 7-8 minutes before the ambulance.

They let Waldo County know they were on the scene, and proceeded to clear David’s airway and administer care until the ambulance arrived. At that point, David was quickly transported to Waldo County Hospital in Belfast where he was correctly diagnosed with a ruptured aneurism behind his eye. From Waldo County Hospital, David was then transported by Lifeflight to Maine Medical Center, a trip that took less than 25 minutes, where he was rushed into life-saving surgery, having a shunt placed to drain the blood and brain surgery to stabilize the aneurysm. Later that day, Michelle posted the following message on her Facebook page:

From Michelle Kinney’s Facebook page on Aug. 23, 2016:

“I am so very overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and generosity that has blanketed my family today. This was one of the worst days I have ever had, yet I have never felt more protected and cared for.

David was found by my girls this morning, unresponsive, after I had left for work. They both were so brave and are the first heroes of the day. They were unable to reach me, and so, one called my parents and the other 911. By the time my amazing coworkers took over and got me home, many of Lincolnville's own first responders were at my home- even before the ambulances arrived (Dave apologizes for his state of undress:), they are also heroes to my girls and I.

My boss who showed up and stayed with my family at the hospital on his day off, who always has the backs of his employees and their families, and never makes us feel guilty for putting family first, is a hero (and part of my family).

Waldo County Hospital's emergency staff were amazing in quickly finding a bleed in his brain from a ruptured aneurysm, more heroes. In addition, their Social Worker who took my children under her wing and kept them feeling safe is an angel; and Kristen Hazen who brought them each a stuffed monkey to replace the live animals they were supposed to enjoy at the zoo tomorrow with Daddy - you provided joy at a crucial time.

And then a huge shout out to the LIFEFLIGHT crew who transported David to Maine Medical Center for emergency surgery faster than you can imagine. Those heroes also include the many involved in the

Lifeflight swim to Islesboro this past weekend whose dedication and fundraising make this lifesaver possible.

The talented Neurosurgeons, Intensive Care Providers, and staff at MMC saved my husband's life. More heroes.

He is in the Cardiothoracic Special Care unit after having a shunt placed to drain the blood and brain surgery to stabilize the aneurysm. I was able to talk with him after he was extubated this evening (they thought that would not happen until tomorrow). He could talk, move, and even joke that I should not wake him in the morning when I get there. His speech is a bit garbled and his lips droop a bit right now, but we hope that will gradually improve. He will be there for several weeks to be sure there are no new neurologic problems. We will see how he progresses and hope that any deficits resolve.

To my family who are with me physically or in spirit, and helped me get here, I love you and would be catatonic without you - you are heroes. And to my friends who have called or messaged their support; and those who have provided myself and family with hotel rooms completely set up for days without any work on my part - I am forever grateful and cannot thank you enough. I am going to bed now, but will update when I know more and see Dave in the morning.”

Since that first terrifying day, David has continued to improve significantly each day. So much so that he was trying to get released to come home just 2 days after the surgery (which his doctors wisely refused!). He will be remaining at Maine Medical Center for the next 2-3 weeks to monitor his neurologic responses and ensure that things continue to improve.

The Lincolnville Selectmen then said:

In David’s absence, the town charter requires that the Board of Selectmen call a special meeting to appoint a temporary Town Administrator. Earlier this evening at 6:00 pm, the Board convened to do so, and appointed Finance Director Jody Hanson to serve as Temporary Town Administrator. Jodi has graciously agreed to fill this role, and we are all confident she is the right person to do this in David’s absence.

The Board is also extremely grateful to all the town office staff for their professionalism and strength during this very difficult time. Despite their personal concerns for David, they have maintained “business as usual” in handling all the town’s business functions and ensuring confidentiality throughout the past challenging week.

Moving forward, we have people in town who are organizing meal service for the Kinney family. More details about that will be posted on the town’s website. To others who may be wondering how they can help, the town office staff is also accepting donations of gift cards, gas cards, and money, which will be deposited into an account that has been specifically set up for Michelle to access with a debit card, with the money to be used for David’s medical bills. And of course, everyone’s continued prayers for David’s speedy recovery are also welcomed!

We would like to thank the media for respecting the Kinneys’ privacy during the remainder of David’s recovery, and encourage them to refer any questions to me as Chairman of the Selectboard. I’m sure when David returns, he will make himself available for follow-up interviews. Thank you. 

 Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657.