Miguel family ‘overwhelmed’ with community love and support after knife attack

When Yobani Miguel decided to take a second job to help financially support his young and growing family, he decided an evening job with Door Dash, a food delivery service, would be right up his alley.

With his full-time job at a local fast food restaurant, Miguel has experience in the food service industry, so food delivery was a natural fit, both in its nature and the hours he would work.

Yobani left for his Door Dash job the evening of Friday, July 17th, expecting to work several hours, then return to his wife Damaris and their two young children.

What happened in that time, though, would throw his life into sudden turmoil, leaving Miguel unable, at least temporarily, to support his family.

He was delivering Wendy’s food to a residence in Mills Trailer Park when he was suddenly attacked by a knife-wielding irate man apparently upset that his order had not been filled properly.

Details remain a bit sketchy, but Yobani’s injuries were serious, including a gash running the entirety of his right leg, and serious injury to his hands and arm as he defended himself from the violent attack.

When a Russellville Police Department officer showed up at the residence, he took immediate steps to protect Miguel from his attacker.

Unfortunately, the irate man, according to witness accounts, then went after the police officer, a decision which proved fatal after the officer discharged his firearm.

In an interview with Yobani’s wife last week, Damaris told the Franklin Free Press her husband is now doing well at home and resting.

“He is a hardworking man who was simply out trying to provide for our family when he was viciously attacked. We are beyond grateful that one of Russellville’s brave police officers responded and was able to save him,” Damaris said. “Our sincere thanks go out for Russellville’s finest for their courage and quick actions.”

Damaris said her husband will be medically unable to work indefinitely, although he was scheduled this week for a follow-up appointment to have his stitches removed. She expects to learn more about his recovery at that time.

Within hours of Yobani’s attack, friends and family went into immediate action to help the Miguel family. A fund raising effort on www.gofundme.com, as of July 27th, has raised $6,830 of the $8,000 goal.

All funds raised will donated to the family to help them through Yobani’s recovery until his eventual return to work.

Being unable to work is particularly frustrating for the young father whose hard work allowed his family to buy a home, a vehicle and to maintain a household.

And the day will come when Yobani gets back to full-time work, but Damaris said they’ve been overwhelmed by the love and support from their community in their time of need.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank each of you for your generosity, your prayers and your kindness. Please continue to keep my husband in your prayers as he recovers,” Damaris said.

“We will never forget the love and support you’ve shown our family. May God bless each and every one of you,” she added.