Craftsman Joel Paul fights to recover after getting crushed by tree; grateful for support

STRATHAM — After breaking “everything” in his body when a tree fell on him last month, local woodworker Joel Paul is mounting a recovery to regain his mobility and the use of his right arm.

Paul was crushed by a tree April 1 while helping his neighbor cut it down on River Road. He is still in Portsmouth Regional Hospital with his brain intact thanks to the helmet he was wearing. He said he has no use of his right hand, however, and will also need to learn how to walk again.

“It’s very scary,” Paul said Wednesday, “not knowing if I’m going to be a one-handed person.”

Paul is known throughout the community for his craft as well as his part in the music scene. His friends and loved ones showed their support for Paul by raising more than $92,000 through a GoFundMe page, describing him as a selfless loving person dedicated to his work, music and the Seacoast community.

Paul said the support has been moving. It has included care for his 93-year-old mother Ruth who relies on Paul. Her son said there’s “like a million people” taking care of her now.

“It’s mind-blowing,” Paul said. “Just the volume and level and intensity of love that I’ve been surrounded with.”

Joel Paul remembers day tree fell on him

Paul owns the shop 13 Stars Design at 25 River Road on his family’s farm. He grew up in the area and became known as a musician in groups like VFW, which after he left became the Bruisers featuring future Dropkick Murphys singer Al Barr.

Over the years, Paul became known for his Quaker-style furniture, handmade spoons, creative music projects and a love of people. He most recently had turned the family farm into a woodworking center that not only sold his products but offered classes.

Paul said he vividly remembers the day he was injured.

“I wish I didn’t,” Paul said. “I was conscious through the whole thing.”

Paul said his neighbor approached him and told him he was cutting down a tree on his property. He wanted to know if Paul, known for his prowess with cutting lumber, could help. It is a skill Paul said he had never learned but was willing to try.

“I don’t cut down trees. I cut them up,” Paul said. “But I know how it’s done, so I was like, ‘OK, I’ve never done this before, but I’ll give it a shot.’”

Paul said he was cutting the tree while his neighbor used an excavator to pull on it with a chain. He believes he cut into the tree incorrectly, as well as hit some rot inside the trunk that complicated the operation.

Paul said he then stepped aside, assuming the tree was safely in the control of his neighbor.

“I didn’t see it coming. I wasn’t looking for it,” Paul said. “It just caught me. Squashed me like a bug.”

Paul prepares for long recovery, grateful for support

Paul said he has come a long way already since being brought to Portsmouth Regional Hospital. First he was put in a coma that lasted for nine days. He remembers waking up in his hospital bed with his body connected to machines and a breathing tube.

Paul said he was eventually moved from the intensive care unit after two weeks. He said he has 13 broken bones. Today, he said he has undergone 10 surgeries on his right arm and he is preparing to eventually transfer to a rehabilitation center at Pease International Tradeport.

Paul said he is facing a serious life change if he cannot regain the function of his right arm, from his woodworking to playing instruments like guitar and bass. He also played keyboard in reggae bands like Islandside.

“Without it, all that’s gone,” Paul said. “I’m a different person with just my left hand. Craft is kind of out of the question at that point, and so is music.”

Paul said he has kept his spirits up the best he can, though he has some challenges. He said thinking about insurance issues this week was difficult.

“The darkness crept in,” Paul said.

He said he has some good signs that keep him upbeat, however. He said the staff at Portsmouth Regional Hospital deserve an “A” grade for their care. He also is happy to have his daughter by his side as his advocate to make sure he communicates his needs to the hospital.

Paul said doctors also told him he is three weeks ahead of schedule, which he believes is partly due to the warmth he has felt from the community rushing to his aid.

“I can only attribute it to that,” Paul said. “The love and support. Not only friends and family, but people that I don’t even know.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Craftsman, musician Joel Paul fights to recover after crushed by tree