by Hannelie Booyens
Upon graduation, the arduous journey of completing a PhD is sometimes articulated as a “miracle”.
But when Dr Chris Jurgens, a civil engineering lecturer at Stellenbosch University, received his PhD this week, he took the phrase “walking miracle” to an entirely new level.
Jurgens sustained severe injuries in a motorcycle accident early last year, yet an extraordinary series of fortunate events, along with the timely intervention of what he calls “miracle workers”, not only saved his life but also reignited his faith and purpose. The PhD he achieved against the odds stands testament to his resilience and dedication.
On the fateful morning of 9 February 2023, Jurgens was riding his motorcycle along the R44 toward Stellenbosch, a route he had traversed countless times. Unbeknownst to him, a lost visitor from Namibia made an illegal turn directly in front of him.
As he swerved to avoid a collision, the vehicle accelerated towards him, resulting in a harrowing impact. Jurgens recalls the accident not through his own fractured memories – he had no recollection due to the traumatic brain injury he sustained – but through the detailed accounts provided by eyewitnesses, investigators, and medical personnel.
“Luckily, I didn't speed, and I was wearing all the correct safety equipment – a helmet, neck brace, and a padded jacket. I think that played a big part in me being here today,” he reflected.
Moments after the accident, hope appeared in the form of a nearby nurse from LifeShine Wellness Centre, who comforted Jurgens while attending to his injuries. Her prompt actions attracted the attention of passing motorists, leading to the arrival of an optometrist and fellow motorcycle rider who assisted in administering emergency care.
As Jurgens' heart faltered, the perfect hero arrived: Ryan Wills, Mediclinic's training manager for emergency care. Though he rarely responds to roadside emergencies, Wills happened to have his medical kit for training in the car that fateful day. With his proficiency, Wills revived Jurgens and summoned an ambulance.
In the ambulance, Wills and an ER24 paramedic quickly inserted a breathing tube and placed him on a ventilator, vital steps ensuring that his severe injuries did not obstruct his ability to breathe. Thanks to a fortuitous phone call from Jurgens' wife, Alet, the ambulance driver promptly notified her about the accident, advising her to rush to Mediclinic Vergelegen to complete the necessary admission paperwork. This intervention proved crucial when he arrived, as doctors were poised to act immediately.
Emergency surgery was carried out to alleviate pressure on Jurgens' brain, followed by reconstructive procedures
on his severely injured wrist, shoulder, and knee. Despite the initial prognosis that his wrist was irreparable, an orthopaedic surgeon's daring intervention successfully salvaged it.
“The X-ray of my wrist looked like someone had tossed a handful of macaroni on a table,” Jurgens chuckled as he displayed his functioning hand, grateful for the skill of medical professionals.
Alet faced a harrowing week of uncertainty, as doctors informed her of the slim chances of her husband surviving. The family's collective strength and motivation, coupled with profound support from Stellenbosch University, aided Jurgens in his arduous recovery.
“It must have been very tough for my wife; I think she suffered much more than I did while I was in a coma,” he noted solemnly. His recovery path was grueling, filled with physical and cognitive challenges. Gaining consciousness six weeks later brought the painful realisation that he could not remember his own children.
“I woke up at night, saw the hospital bed, and thought, ‘What happened? I was on my way to work this morning.' I only recognised my wife the next morning; I could not recall my two daughters nor their names.”
With the unwavering support from Alet and their family, Jurgens dedicated himself to rehabilitation, motivated by a newfound clarity. “The accident was a complete reset,” he affirmed.
“It had to happen. The Lord gave me a clear message: ‘You're not on the right track. You need to fix things for your sake and for your family's sake.'”
Resuming his position at Stellenbosch University in July 2023, merely five months post-accident, Jurgens dove headfirst into completing his PhD, focusing on technology adoption in the construction industry.
“Now, I'm extremely proud of what I've accomplished with my research. I worked twice as hard to produce something I'm truly proud of,” he said with visible satisfaction.
Nine months after the accident, he felt it was essential to express his gratitude to the miraculous individuals who played a pivotal role in his survival.
“I owe everything to these highly skilled and passionate people who came into my life at exactly the right time,” he said, reflecting on the community of responders that rallied around him.
He plans to send them graduation photos in his red doctoral gown as a token of appreciation.
Though he misses the exhilaration of riding his motorcycle, Jurgens has assured Alet he will never ride again after her heart-wrenching ultimatum: “If you ever touch a motorcycle again, I'm divorcing you!”
With laughter, he acknowledged the profound debt of gratitude he owes her.
In recognition of their ordeal, he has planned an overseas holiday for Alet and their children, promising them a well-deserved escape from the shadows of the last two years.