An Algonquin father of three is facing a long rehabilitation after a tree he was cutting in his front yard fell onto him, leaving him with little to no feeling from the chest down. His family is now reshaping both his recovery plan and their home around a future they never expected.
JD Hoth, a Huntley teacher and runner, was airlifted to a hospital after the tree struck his head, CBS Chicago reported Tuesday. His wife, Jenny, said he was wearing a helmet and protective gear and had cut down trees before, but the tree was more compromised than anyone realized.
What Algonquin Says About Private Trees
The accident also puts a spotlight on the risks of handling mature trees around suburban homes. The Village of Algonquin says property owners are responsible for trees on their land, and that trees at least 10 inches in diameter require an inspection and a permit before removal.
For homeowners considering chainsaw work, Illinois Extension advises clearing obstacles from the work area and planned retreat path, maintaining secure footing, using protective equipment and avoiding cuts directly overhead. The guidance reflects how quickly a routine yard project can become dangerous when a tree's structure or fall path is misjudged.
A Long Rehabilitation Road
Medical staff determined that Hoth was paralyzed, and he has since been moved to a rehabilitation facility. According to CBS Chicago, his recovery could take a year, and doctors cannot say whether he will regain movement; he remains cognitively okay and has feeling in his shoulders, arms, right hand and a small amount in his left hand.
The Hoths plan to remain in their home, adding a wraparound driveway and other accessibility features while facing medical bills, renovation expenses and rehabilitation costs. Jenny is expected to return to school Thursday and will be the family's only source of income, while she has also urged the family to accept help, saying JD told her, “You've got to accept help.”
That help has already arrived in practical ways, with community members caring for the couple's children, cleaning up the fallen tree and organizing a GoFundMe for the family. For the Hoths, the immediate goal is bringing JD home to a house that can accommodate him and a family learning how to move forward together.
