Support grows for Yuma teacher after mountain fall
Adrik Vargas
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A longtime Yuma Lutheran teacher is recovering after a serious fall, and the community is stepping up to support him and his family.
Tony Harman, an eighth-grade teacher at Yuma Lutheran School, was hiking in Colorado when he fell nearly 100 feet down a mountainside.
He suffered multiple serious injuries, including a shattered hip, broken ribs, neck fractures, and leg injuries. Harman was airlifted to Phoenix for emergency treatment.
Known for his faith-filled teaching and close connection with students, Harman has become a beloved figure in the school and church community. Now, the people he’s impacted are giving back.
“You talk about setting a goal, and you see that goal surpassed almost instantly, it humbles you, and it brings great joy to be able to provide that for the Harman family,” said Traci Miller, who is organizing fundraising efforts for the Harmans.
Miller says Harman is more than just a teacher.
“He loves his students unconditionally, he understands where they’re coming from and their background, and which ones are quirky and which ones are extremely intelligent, which ones like sports, and he takes pride in knowing them specifically,” she said.
For the Harman family, the outpouring of support has brought comfort during a difficult time.
“They have need and they know they are loved and supported, and we can’t say enough about that, and how close it brings us together as a family as well,” said Vincent Harman, Harman’s brother and a pastor at Yuma Lutheran.
“He loves kids, he pours his heart out teaching the kids about Jesus, his role here has been phenomenal, we’ve seen people reach out that he’s taught over the years and people he’s teaching now,” he added.
Harman still has a long road to recovery ahead, but thanks to his community, he’s not walking it alone.
If you want to support the Harman family, you can visit their GoFundMe page at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-tony-harman-heal-after-tragic-fall