Michigan safari park worker, 27, is fighting for his life in the ICU after being 'knocked off ladder by a GIRAFFE' causing traumatic brain injury

A 27-year-old zoo worker is in the ICU with a traumatic brain injury after a deputies say a giraffe knocked him off a ladder while he worked in an enclosure. 

The incident happened at Deer Tracks Junction Adventure Park on April 19. 

The park identified the man as 27-year-old Tyler Powell and the Kent County Sheriff's Office told WTSP that Powell was on a 6ft ladder in the giraffe enclosure when the animal hit the ladder, causing him to fall.

The park later disputed the police's statement and said that there was no giraffe in the enclosure.  

Powell was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and remains in the ICU with a traumatic brain injury. 

The park identified the man as 27-year-old Tyler Powell

The Kent County Sheriff's Office told WTSP that Powell was on a 6ft ladder in the giraffe enclosure when the animal hit the ladder, causing him to fall

Tyler's father, Kelly Powell, who is also the owner of Deer Tracks Junction, told News 8: 'We were doing upgrades in the stall before the animals were moved back in. I was standing right there. … It happened so quick.' 

However, he also told 13 ON YOUR SIDE that there were no animals in the enclosure at the time of the fall and he wasn't knocked over by a giraffe. 

The park shared a GoFundMe for Powell's medical bills on Facebook. 

They said: 'We are reaching out to our community for prayer. Tyler, who is a son, father, husband, and a critical component to this business, had an accident on Friday, April 19th. 

'He is in critical condition in the ICU with a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). We are living in a world of unknowns, and we are reaching out to you all for prayer. Pray for healing and strength for Tyler. 

The park shared a GoFundMe for Powell's medical bills on Facebook 

'There are no words to describe how we feel and how grateful we are for this supportive community. If you would all join us in praying for Tyler, we would be so thankful.

'We want to take a moment to thank the Courtland fire department, Rockford ambulance, Kent County Sheriffs Department, all the staff here at Corewell Hospital, and everyone in-between who have helped Tyler during this time. Thank you so much.'

They later shared a message from Tyler's mother, saying, 'We knew this was a long road and we knew that it would be a roller coaster. All of us, including the doctors, are on God's time line. 

'We can't rush it. So today, we are thanking God for a restful night for Tyler, stable numbers, and praying for another day of rest and stability.'