By Jon Johnson
PIMA — On the first anniversary of a life-altering tragedy, Thatcher Middle School Principal Jessica Medlin triumphantly completed the 6-mile run she had set out to do on Jan. 9, 2025 — the very morning she was struck from behind by a City of Safford service truck while jogging.
Joined by a large group of roughly 40 supportive friends, Medlin took to the same route at approximately 5:25 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9. This time, she was protected by a dedicated police escort, including Safford Police Department Captain Tyler Cluff and Detective Josh McClain leading the way on electric bicycles, and Thatcher Police Chief Glen Orr along with multiple Thatcher officers in patrol vehicles.
Medlin, dressed in a similar outfit to the day of the accident — including a white reflective coat and headlamp — turned what could have been a somber memorial into a powerful celebration of healing, friendship, and resilience.
Running has long been a cornerstone of Medlin’s life, especially after the death of her husband, Safford Police Officer Herschel Medlin, four years ago. She began running daily as a way to process grief, gain a sense of control, and work through emotions. Her typical routine included 6-mile daily runs and longer weekend distances of 12 to 20 miles or more.
The morning of Jan. 9, 2025, was frigid, and her usual running partner, Melinda Nelson, opted out. Medlin recalled checking her pace — a solid low nine-minute mile — before everything changed. Struck on the northern shoulder of 200 North, about a mile from home, she was life-flighted to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson, followed by rehabilitation. The impact damaged her temporal head area, destroying her facial nerve and affecting her inner ear.
Her recovery journey included significant medical interventions: a weight placed in her eyelid in April to allow closure, facial nerve surgery in July using nerves from her legs, and additional ear reconstruction to restore hearing. Upon leaving rehab, her initial physical therapy goal was to walk half a mile. By March, she was back at work and running her first mile, and last month she completed a half-marathon, placing first in her age group.
Medlin had avoided 200 North (Trip Canyon Road) since the accident, describing it as feeling “taboo.” But she chose the one-year mark to reclaim it, supported by friends who turned the event into a larger community gathering.
“This is a story of success,” Medlin emphasized. “It’s not a memorial run. I was pretty much a hair away from not living. The focus is on healing, friendship, connection, and community.”
She highlighted the strength of her neighborhood and the broader community. “We show up for each other… this is just a moment of friendship, support, and connection.”
In a poignant moment, she reunited with Melinda — the friend who had skipped the original run because of the cold — joking that, even though there was a freeze warning, “Melinda, it wasn’t that cold!”
After finishing her run, Medlin reflected that last time she didn’t make it home, but this time, “I came home with friends.”
Despite ongoing challenges in her recovery, Jessica Medlin continues to persevere and excel. Her journey stands as an inspiring testament to determination and the power of community support.
