Landscaping company paves new walkway for Golden Gate man

Published: Updated:

GOLDEN GATE, Fla.- A landscaping company surprised a wheelchair-bound man with a new walkway to his home after a Facebook post called upon the community for help.

Eleven years ago, Domingo Matos was shot four times when he walked into an armed robbery at a friend’s apartment in Golden Gate, leaving him permanently unable to move. The 30-year old quadriplegic says he fell out of his wheelchair for the second time over the weekend outside of his home, seriously hurting himself.

“Turning on the little sidewalk part, my wheels have come off and I’ve gone straight to the sod,” said Matos. “I hit my head really bad, my neck, shoulder, hip.”

“Death trap, definitely a death trap,” said Derek Jenks, owner of Outdoor Perfections. He rushed to help Matos after seeing a post on Facebook Sunday night. “We removed the sod that was here and measured out 5-feet, so he can get easy access with his electrical wheelchair here. He could actually drive down it turn around on it without falling over.”

Using extra pavers they had laying around, Jenks’ crew spent several hours braving a storm to make the new walkway for Matos.

“It was nice just to be able to help somebody out,” said Jenks.

“They’re exceptional people and they have a good heart,” said Matos. “I’m so happy right now.”

 

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