Montana Man Who Survived Devastating Forklift Accident Opens Up About Life Years After Losing Half His Body

A Routine Workday That Changed Everything

In 2019, what started as an ordinary day for Loren Schauers in Great Falls, Montana, turned into a life-altering tragedy that would forever redefine his future.

While operating a forklift on a bridge, Schauers lost control and plunged over the edge. In those terrifying moments, he later described seeing his life flash before his eyes.

The catastrophic fall resulted in injuries so severe that survival itself seemed uncertain. Emergency responders rushed him to the hospital, where medical teams worked urgently to save his life.

A Life-or-Death Decision in the Operating Room

Once at the hospital, doctors determined that Schauers’ injuries were beyond repair. The damage to the lower half of his body was irreversible.

Surgeons informed him that the only way to keep him alive would be to amputate the entire lower half of his body. He would also lose one arm.

Faced with an unimaginable choice, he had to decide whether to proceed with the surgery.

His wife, Sabia, later recalled the gravity of that moment.

“He looked them dead in the eye and told them he didn’t care if he was just a head on a plate, they’re going to do the surgery and they’re going to keep him alive,” his wife, Sabia, told The Sun.

For Schauers, the decision was clear.

“It wasn’t a hard choice to have half of my body amputated – it was basically a choice of living or dying.”

The operation saved his life, but it marked the beginning of an entirely new reality.

Adapting to a New Way of Living

Recovering from such an extensive amputation required significant physical and emotional resilience. The adjustment to daily life presented constant challenges.

Despite the magnitude of his injuries, Schauers gradually rebuilt his routine with the support of his wife.

A few years after the accident, the couple decided to share their journey publicly. They launched a YouTube channel to document their everyday experiences and connect with others.

The channel quickly attracted a large following, with viewers drawn to their openness and determination.

Drawing Boundaries Around Personal Questions

As their online presence grew, so did the number of questions from followers. Many inquiries focused on how the accident had affected various aspects of their lives.

One topic, however, repeatedly surfaced and tested their patience.

“That is a very personal question that we are never going to answer or allude to, as it’s very disrespectful,” Sabia said in an interview with Daily Star.

She emphasized that curiosity about their private life crosses a line that should not be breached.

“You wouldn’t ask a random couple on the street how they have sex and just because our life circumstances are different, it doesn’t give people the right to ask.”

The couple has made it clear that while they are willing to discuss many elements of their journey, their intimacy remains off-limits.

Answering the Questions They Are Comfortable With

Although they decline to discuss certain subjects, Schauers and Sabia continue to answer other questions candidly.

During a live Q&A session, Sabia addressed one of the most common inquiries they receive.

“The biggest question that has been asked since our original video is how Loren goes to the bathroom,” Sabia said during a live Q&A.

Schauers provided a straightforward explanation of the medical procedures that allow his body to function.

“A colostomy which is my colon pulled out of my body so I can poop. And I have bilateral nephrotomies, they’re tubes that go into my kidneys that drain my kidneys into bags so, therefore, that is how I poop, pee, and fart.”

His willingness to explain these details reflects the couple’s approach to educating others about life after traumatic amputation.

Daily routines require ongoing medical management, including specialized equipment and careful monitoring.

Sabia assists with changing his colostomy bags and plays a vital role in his daily care.

A Partnership Strengthened by Adversity

Their relationship has remained central to Schauers’ recovery and adaptation.

In 2021, Loren and Sabia were married, formalizing a partnership that had already been tested by extraordinary circumstances.

Over the years, they have marked milestones not only in their marriage but also in their shared journey through recovery.

On the anniversary of the accident, Schauers shared a heartfelt message reflecting on the past six years.

”Can’t believe today marks 6 years since our lives changed and I found that I had a partner who was willing to stick by my side through it all. Things could’ve been so much worse but luckily I was blessed with an amazing woman I get to call my wife,” he said.

He continued his tribute with deep appreciation for her support.

”I have an amazing wife who I deeply love and respect for all she’s done and had to go through.”

Life Beyond the Accident

Years after the forklift accident that severed his body in half, Schauers continues to navigate a reality few can imagine.

His survival required one of the most extreme surgical interventions possible, yet he remains determined to live fully.

Through their online platform, he and Sabia provide insight into both the medical complexities and emotional resilience involved in rebuilding a life after catastrophic injury.

Their story is marked by trauma, adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

While certain aspects of their private life remain protected, their openness about daily challenges has resonated with many followers.

What began as a routine workday in 2019 became a defining moment that reshaped every aspect of Loren Schauers’ life.

Six years later, he continues to share his journey, supported by the partner who stood beside him when survival itself hung in the balance.

Together, they face each new day with determination, gratitude, and a shared resolve to move forward.