Jeff Rymer saved coworker Preston Cobb’s life following a chemical explosion at their workplace in June 2023
Credit: Jeff Rymer and Robin Rymer
NEED TO KNOW
- A man saved his coworker’s life following a chemical explosion at their workplace in June 2023
- Preston Cobb lost numerous body parts and suffered horrific burns, while Jeff Rymer was later diagnosed with severe adult-onset asthma
- Rymer tells PEOPLE exclusively that he and Cobb have not had a chance to reconnect following the work accident
June 30, 2023, “started as a normal workday” for Jeff Rymer, who was employed as an electrical contractor.
“We were doing a molten salt pump-out at a manufacturing plant when things went sideways,” he recalls to PEOPLE exclusively of the moment a chemical explosion occurred during his shift. “Smoke was everywhere, and then there was a major spill.”
“I was able to get out of the building, but then I heard a coworker yelling for help,” Rymer continues. “I turned around and went back inside to help get him out. That’s the moment everything changed for me.”
The coworker whom Rymer, now 43, saved was Preston Cobb. He lost his left leg, all the toes on his right foot and all his fingers on both hands, except his thumbs. Additionally, Cobb’s right leg was burned to the knee, both his hands and arms were burned and he lost a piece of his ear.
Rymer, meanwhile, inhaled toxic smoke from the chemical explosion that left him with severe adult-onset asthma.
Credit: Courtesy of Tanesha Cobb
More than three years later, Rymer tells PEOPLE he and Cobb have not had a chance to connect after their lives were both changed on that June 2023 workday.
“My wife, Robin, has kept in touch with my former colleague, but I haven’t been able to see or speak with him myself since the accident,” Rymer says.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“For a long time, what happened that day was very difficult for me to talk about. I was dealing with the post-traumatic effects of the accident, and there were parts of that experience that I just wasn’t ready to revisit,” he further explains.
Now, Rymer admits, “I’ve come a long way since then, and I’m able to talk about the accident and share my story in a way that I couldn’t before.”
Credit: Jeff Rymer and Robin Rymer
Still, Rymer tells PEOPLE, “Connecting with my former colleague directly is still something I haven’t been ready to do.”
“I do hope to see him one day,” he continues.
As for what he would say to Cobb should their paths cross again, Rymer says, “If I can speak at all, I guess whatever God leads me to say.”
“There are so many emotions and thoughts about that day and the days, weeks, months and years afterwards, it would be almost impossible for me to tell what I would say,” he adds.
Rymer is currently working through his own health issues by using Tezspire, a biologic medicine that targets the inflammation that drives severe asthma, thanks to access provided through his pulmonologist.
“Before the accident, I had never had issues with my breathing. After the explosion, I spent four days in the hospital receiving respiratory treatments,” Rymer recalls. “When I went home, instead of getting better, I got worse. Within days, I knew something was seriously wrong and ended up back at the hospital.”
“I was eventually diagnosed with severe asthma. I found that things I’d never thought twice about before could affect my breathing,” he continues. “I’ve always been very active and independent, but suddenly I couldn’t put out my garden, take care of my chickens the way I used to, or even mow my own grass.”
“Having to rely on other people for things I’d always done myself was really difficult,” adds Rymer. “My doctor and I had been working together to manage my asthma and talking about different treatment options. I started Tezspire in April 2024, and at this point in my journey, I’ve been really encouraged by the progress I’ve experienced. … Today, I’m grateful that I’m able to do more of the things that are important to me and have more of that independence again. I still have things that can affect my breathing.”
Credit: Jeff Rymer and Robin Rymer
Looking back at saving Cobb’s life, Rymer says, “I don’t really think of it as a selfless act. … In that moment, I wasn’t thinking about myself or what could happen. I just knew somebody needed help, so I turned around and went back in.”
“You don’t really have time to think in a situation like that. You just do whatever you can to help,” he continues.
Adds Rymer, “There was a time after the accident when I wasn’t ready to talk about any of this. I’ve had to work through a lot of what happened, both physically and emotionally, and I’ve come a long way.”
“If sharing my story can help even one person who may be going through their own health challenges, then it’s worth it to me,” Rymer says. “I know what it’s like to have your life change unexpectedly and to wonder whether you’ll ever get back to doing the things you love.”
“I’m incredibly grateful for my wife, my family, my friends and for my pulmonologist continuing to listen to me and work with me throughout this journey,” he continues. “I’m grateful for where I am today.”
Read the full article here
