Tommy Shine, the Wentzville, Missouri fire captain whose heroic ice rescue in 2015 inspired the faith-based film Breakthrough, is now engaged in a fight for his own life. Shine, 50, captured national attention a decade ago when he pulled three teenagers from the frigid waters of a frozen lake near St. Louis. One of the boys, John Smith, was submerged for an extended period and clinically dead before miraculously recovering, a story that formed the core of the acclaimed movie. Now, Shine’s own survival story is unfolding, filled with unexpected challenges and glimmers of hope.
From Ladder Fall to Critical Condition: A Timeline of Tommy Shine’s Medical Crisis
What began as a seemingly routine accident in October 2024 quickly spiraled into a complex and life-threatening medical emergency for Shine. A fall from a ladder resulted in a severe head injury requiring stitches, according to Shine’s wife, Brittany, in posts on her CaringBridge blog and local news reports from Fox 2 Now. During his hospital stay for the head injury, doctors discovered a serious heart condition necessitating immediate surgery.
Shine underwent successful heart surgery in December 2024. However, a devastating setback occurred as Brittany was leaving the hospital after visiting hours. She received a frantic call informing her that Shine’s heart had stopped. He was placed on a ventilator and underwent multiple emergency surgeries, his condition rapidly deteriorating. Brittany recounted the agonizing experience in her blog, describing being told repeatedly that Shine might not survive the night.
A Glimmer of Hope: Against All Odds, Tommy Shine Begins to Fight Back
Initially, the prognosis was grim. Doctors prepared Shine’s family, including his five children, for the possibility that he might never speak or regain upper body strength. They anticipated significant cognitive impairment and the likelihood of long-term care in a specialized facility. Brittany documented the family’s unwavering faith and hope during this dark period, attributing any positive developments to divine intervention.
A miraculous turn of events occurred on January 6, 2025, as Shine was being prepared for transfer to a long-term care facility. After being weaned off his ventilator and given medication, he unexpectedly woke up and attempted to communicate. Brittany described the moment in her blog as a divine miracle, emphasizing that God was not finished with Tommy’s story. Shine’s critical care doctor, stunned by this unexpected progress, recommended postponing the transfer to allow more time to assess his recovery potential.
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Photo: Tommy Shine. Wentzville Firefighters/Facebook
Echoes of the Past: Parallels Between Shine’s Rescue and His Own Recovery
Wentzville Fire Department Chief Steve Mosher, in an interview with Fox 2 Now, drew a poignant parallel between Shine’s courageous ice rescue and his current battle. “We’re talking about a guy who jumped in a frozen lake to save someone’s life,” Mosher stated. “It’s no surprise to me that he’s fighting as hard to save his own life.” This resilience echoes the spirit of the 2015 rescue that brought Shine national recognition.
The remarkable recovery of John Smith, the boy Shine rescued from the icy lake, became the subject of the 2019 film Breakthrough, starring Chrissy Metz, Topher Grace, and Mike Colter as Shine. The movie highlights the power of faith and prayer in Smith’s survival, themes that resonate deeply with Shine’s own current struggle.
A Visit from a Miracle: John Smith’s Presence Sparks Hope
In a heartwarming twist, John Smith, now a young adult, visited Shine in the hospital. Brittany credits Smith’s presence with a significant improvement in Shine’s condition. She recounted to Fox 2 Now that the moment Smith stepped off the elevator, Shine’s heartbeat returned to a normal rhythm. This emotional reunion underscores the profound connection between the two and the enduring impact of Shine’s heroism.
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Photo: Mike Colter portrays a fictionalized Tommy Shine in the film ‘Breakthrough’. A Fraser/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock
The Road Ahead: Prayers and Support for Tommy Shine’s Continued Recovery
Shine’s journey to recovery is far from over, but his unexpected progress offers a beacon of hope. Brittany acknowledges the daily ups and downs but remains optimistic. “It’s a roller coaster,” she told Fox 2 Now, “but I definitely think he’s shown us his story is not over yet.” Chief Mosher echoed this sentiment, describing Shine’s resilience as characteristic of the man who defied the odds in the icy lake rescue.
The Shine family is requesting prayers and support as Tommy continues his fight. His story, a testament to courage, faith, and the strength of the human spirit, continues to inspire. As Shine himself embodies the spirit of never giving up, his community and those touched by his story rally around him, hoping for a full recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tommy Shine
Q: What is Tommy Shine’s connection to the movie Breakthrough?
A: Tommy Shine’s heroic ice rescue of John Smith in 2015 inspired the 2019 film Breakthrough.
Q: How is Tommy Shine doing now?
A: Tommy Shine is currently recovering from a series of medical emergencies that began with a fall in October 2024. He has shown remarkable progress after initially being in critical condition.
Q: How can I support Tommy Shine and his family?
A: The Shine family is asking for prayers and support during this challenging time. You can follow updates on Brittany Shine’s CaringBridge blog.
