It was a series of unfortunate events that led to the accident for Kory Williams.

  • 'Most intense pain I've ever been through,' Kory Williams says
  • He's had 4 surgeries, followed by 3 months of recovery
  • Man has been mostly confined to home since incident

Several weeks ago, the Manatee County man was fishing with friends along Lido Beach when a catfish hit his face.

"As soon as I felt the strike, I was like 'Oh,'" Williams said. "I went to set the hook and (the catfish) flew out of the water and hit me in the face."

The catfish's spine pierced his eye.

Williams said the catfish's spine was only about an inch long, but it did serious damage. Doctors said the spine basically punctured mini holes in his eye.

He has had four surgeries and has been through three months of recovery.

"It was the most intense pain I've ever been through," Williams said.

His wife, Brooke, said it has been an emotional roller coaster.

"When you see someone you love just sitting there, in pain and what he was going through, it was hard," she said. "It was very emotional, and it hit me that this was more serious than I anticipated."

Williams is still mostly confined to his house. He is not able to work, drive and cannot keep his head up for long periods of time.

He has another visit with his doctor next week and is hopeful he'll be told he is healing properly.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page that you can visit by clicking here.

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