Man Paralyzed in Dallas Robbery Attempt Dies

A North Texas man who was partially paralyzed during an attempted robbery last year has died.

Two men attacked Ryan Lusk after St. Patrick's Day festivities in Lower Greenville in March 2012. The gunman fired shots, and one of them severed Lusk's spine, paralyzing him from the waist down.

"It's been hell on earth, hell on earth," said Paula Montoya, his mother. "It's almost been unendurable pain; I can't explain it, watching my son hurt."

Lusk fought every day. His body was severely hurt, but his spirit was strong.

"We went through so much," Montoya said. "He was such a fighter."

But doctors told Montoya on Tuesday morning that her son had lost the fight for his life. He died of complications of infections, possibly a blood clot.

"I still can't believe my baby’s gone," she said. "I wasn’t ready to let my baby go."

Two suspects were arrested in the shooting and attempted robbery. One is behind bars, and the other has a pending court date in December.

Montoya is grieving the loss of her firstborn.

"I sat there and I hugged him," she said. "He was cold, and I hugged him, and I loved him, and I begged him to wake up. I just begged him to wake up and come back, so I told him it was OK to go."

She is planning her son's funeral and is asking for help.

Donations can be made at Chase Bank to Paula I. Montoya's in reference to Ryan Lusk Funeral Arrangements.