Community rallies to support injured high school lacrosse player’s return to Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. ( DC News Now ) — Students in the region are starting a new school year, but for one high school lacrosse athlete, getting to go back to school at all is his goal.

Gunnar Burns, a senior at James Monroe High School (JMHS) in Fredericksburg, returned home last week – three months after sustaining a serious injury during a lacrosse game.

Burns, who is in a wheelchair, is recovering from a fractured vertebra, according to an online fundraiser. He began his recovery with surgeries in Richmond, before going to an Atlanta-based medical center for adolescents dealing with similar rehabilitation journies.

On Wednesday, he returned home to Fredericksburg greeted by cheering coaches, teammates, and classmates, many of whom were holding signs.

His warm welcome on Aug. 21, was three months to do the day of Burns’ injury.

The long-stick midfielder was playing the ball in a playoff lacrosse game when he collided with an opponent and fell to the ground unable to move.

“Injuries don’t happen like that very often, but when they do, it hurts everyone,” said JMHS boys’ lacrosse coach Karson Hastings.

Burns’ teammates, Jeb Brough and Lowell Bertolett said they were on the field and “watched it happen right in front of us.”

Since the injury, Burns’ friends said it’s been tough to watch him recover, though they are hopeful a return to a city surrounded by friends can make it easier.

“Just seeing him in a bed, and just the state we hadn’t seen him in. He’s usually very lively and just active and loves to talk,” Brough said.

“Now that he’s home, we can go see him,” Bertolett said. “Just help him chug along and get back to close to the way he was before. I know it’s never going to be the same, but hopefully, we can get him there as close as possible.”

Gunnar’s dad, James Burns, told DC News Now he’s so appreciative of the support.

“I think that there is nothing better than having friends nearby,” he said.

James Burns said while the therapies will continue, he has a goal for Gunnar to return to the classroom and graduate with his peers at the end of the year.

“He’s looking forward to it,” James Burns said.

Burns also reiterated the widespread amount of community support, including multiple local companies that have helped make their family’s home wheelchair accessible.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.