Update and Message from Ty and Michelle

Many people are have probably heard the news that that Ty and Michelle of Ty's Sports Bar in El Valle, got attacked on the beach, and have questions about what happened. Robert Chocolate spoke to Ty and Michelle and posted this update and message from them:From the horse's mouthWritten by T. Rob Brown (aka Roberto Chocolate) Saturday, 16 June 2012 07:03A Message from TY:Michelle and I were saddened to hear about 2 of our fellow expats passing in El Valle. What happened to us pales in comparison to loosing a life long companion. Our deepest condolences to those who are suffering after such a loss.

As for what happened to Michelle and me, I can not put into words how thankful we are for everyone’s concern, prayers and well wishes. It is deeply touching to know we have so many friends so far away from Canada. 

Many have asked us what happened.

On Tuesday June 11 at 11am Michelle and I were enjoying our last day together before my brief trip to Canada. We were on the beach down by Pipa’s restaurant. If you follow the beach from Pipa’s towards Playa Blanca resort there is a river just before you reach the Playa Blanca. We were sleeping {sound asleep} on the beach side by side with our car about 10 feet away fully open as we were listening to the radio.

3 guys {16 -20 years old} attacked us. One guy jumped on my back with both his knees and tried to hold my head down with his arm. Michelle was able to jump up and run for our car while I was fighting the guy who jumped me. Then I heard Michelle scream like I have never heard from her before. When I looked she was doubled over the passenger side seat of our car. I thought she was stabbed so I threw the guy I was fighting to the ground and went for the guy attacking her and that’s when he stabbed me twice with a large piece of glass then they all ran away. It was over in one minute or less.

Pipa’s restaurant was open at the time and I stopped there briefly to tell them what happened and to keep an eye for the attackers. The staff member I spoke with at Pipa’s also called the police and some patrons also wanted a description so they could watch for the attackers. Unfortunately I have just been told that one of the attackers actually stopped at Pipa’s shortly after I left and threatened that staff member with their life if they helped to identify any of them.

The police were very helpful and stayed with us in the hospital for several hours. The doctor stitched up my leg but the wound on my wrist was a bit worse. Because I was scheduled to leave for Canada the next day there was just no time to repair the wrist so I asked the doctor to wrap it and I will get it looked after when I arrive in Canada. The tendons in my right thumb are cut and I will be having surgery tomorrow {Saturday} before I head back to Panama on Sunday. 

I have just been told the police found out the names of the attackers and are trying to find them. 

Again, Michelle and I are very thankful for everyone’s prayers, concern and well wishes. It’s times like this that causes us to stop and think about what is truly important in life. When we returned home Michelle and I hugged each other all night long!