COLUMBIA — City employee Kody Kile is awake, alert and exceeding expectations in his recovery , according to an update shared by his family on GoFundMe.

Kile, a Columbia Utilities line worker, was seriously injured while working on a power line on Tuesday, May 20.

Kile's wife, Lauren, said in a May 23 message that he’s “ready and determined to get better and get out of here,” after surviving the serious electrical accident while on the job.

“He’s the strongest and most stubborn person I’ve ever met,” she wrote. “I’m having a hard time keeping up with him now.”

His father-in-law, Joe Miller, told KOMU 8 that while Kile still has several weeks of hospitalization ahead, his progress is encouraging.

“He is very strong and determined,” Miller said.

A second worker assisting Kile at the time of the incident was also injured but has since fully recovered and returned to work, according to Columbia Utilities spokesperson Jason West.

West said benefits available through Kile’s position as a city employee — such as insurance — could help cover some of the medical expenses.

“There are benefits through being a city employee, through insurances and things like that will help hopefully cover some of the cost,” West said.

The GoFundMe page created to support the Kile family continues to receive widespread community support. As of Tuesday, the page has raised over $71,000.

Lauren Kile expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and assistance.

“They haven’t let us worry about a single thing,” Lauren Kile said. “We are so thankful for every single person reaching out and praying for him.”