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Cothron’s progress in recovery continues at a steady and encouraging pace.

“I’ve regained strength in both of my hands,� said Cothron. “My legs are moving, with controlled movement from legs to my feet. Not a week goes by that I’m not improving. I’m swimming in a pool as part of my therapy. My progress is tracked monthly at Vanderbilt and when I meet the goals set out for me, my therapy is changed as needed to get me back on my feet and walking.�

Cothron is also learning new skills and feeling more confident moving around his home.

“I completed a course at Vanderbilt and we had hand controls installed on our vehicle so that I can drive now,� said Cothron.

“It’s been a slow process,� said Gena Cothron, Adam’s wife. “We’ve relied on our faith to get us through the most traumatic circumstances. Our faith gives us something to stand on and push forward with perseverance. We’ve prayed a lot. God’s been our lifeline and carried us through to live the life we are living.�

The Cothrons have two sons that were cared for by family members in Hartsville while Gena stayed by Adam’s side during recovery time in Atlanta.

“Our family has always attended church, our boys have seen us praying and leaning on God and our faith,� said Cothron. “They have come to see that God helps us through hard times. This situation has made them stronger.�

Today’s normal doesn’t look like yesterday’s normal but some things remain. The boys will start school in a few weeks. Gena continues her position as assistant principal at the local middle school. A patient technician assists Adam during the day and therapy continues.

Timothy Laquan Davis Jr., 25, of Nashville, and Braze Roland Rucker, 29, also of Nashville, are charged in connection with the shooting of Cothron and are held in Putnam County. A ruling by a Putnam County Criminal Court Judge on July 8 will allow prosecutors to seek life without parole for Davis and Rucker.

When posed with the question, what do you do with the men that shot you and changed your lives, Cothron said, “I will trust the legal system and whatever happens. It’s all that I can do and I’ll pray for them.�

Gena added, “I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I cannot say that I don’t have a resentment toward these men for what they did to Adam, but I can say that I have a faith to stand on, I trust God, and that I trust his plan and believe that one day, all will be taken care of.�

Small towns come together in the face of tragic For the Cothrons, the community support has been a lifeline — from prayer vigils to fundraisers, cards, calls, love and more.

Cothron served as the 2025 Grand Marshal for the Hartsville 4th of July parade, an honor which was totally humbling for him.

“I was so excited to serve as Grand Marshal,� said Cothron. “I am so thankful for the support this community has showed me and my family. People are still praying for me, asking my extended family about us. I appreciate it so much that people care and are following our story.�

“It’s very humbling,� added Gena. “To be a part of a community where people come together to help you like they have us is a blessing!�