Thomas And Dawn Vaughn In Critical Condition After Crash

LABELLE, FL. -- During the evening hours of Tuesday, November 30, 2021, Former Hendry County Sheriff Thomas “Tommy” Vaughan and his wife, Dawn were involved in a motorcycle crash on State Road 80, involving two other vehicles, in Western Hendry County.

The Hendry County Sheriff's Office said today, "While details of the crash are not clear, we as an agency and community are deeply concerned for their recovery during this time."

Sheriff Vaughan served as Sheriff from 1993 to 1997. He and his wife Dawn have been married for 38 years.

Sheriff Vaughan, known by so many as just ‘Tommy’ has many injuries. As reported by family members, these injuries include broken bones, ribs and lacerations and he will be undergoing several surgeries to restore his hands and is facing a long road to recovery.

His wife, Dawn, had very serious internal injuries causing her to be taken into surgery, shortly after being transported last night, to address the number of broken ribs that have caused several lacerations to her lungs creating internal bleeding. 

It was described by family members that although they appeared to have stabilized her at this time, Doctors told them they were not certain she would make it thru the night, but she did.

It was reported today by a family member that the internal bleeding has stopped, and she is stable, but “she is not out of the woods”. 

 "While many remain hopeful we know there is much healing ahead. Tommy has been in surgery all afternoon while Doctors are trying to repair his fingers on both hands.

"They both remain hospitalized in stable but critical condition. Family members of both Tommy and Dawn are deeply touched and appreciative of this support. We continue to ask that they be remembered in prayer.

"As word got out, news of the crash spread very quickly. As a small community, so many have come together to begin immediate prayer chains," said the Sheriff's Office.