A beloved Kentucky man, identified for waving at passing vehicles from his wheelchair, is combating for his life after being struck by an alleged drunk driver — practically 30 years after an identical crash left him disabled.
Brad Fritz, affectionately generally known as the “Wheelchair Waver,” was hospitalized Tuesday evening with life-threatening accidents after he was hit by a pickup truck on the identical Edgewood intersection the place he typically sits and cheerfully gestures to vacationers on the street, based on native stories.
The 41-year-old’s household mentioned he suffered an “extensive list of injuries,” together with a number of cranium fractures, a collapsed lung, a fractured pelvis, quite a few damaged ribs and a damaged arm that surgeons wanted to rebuild with rods, plates and screws.
“It’s gut wrenching to watch someone suffer like this,” his father, Mickey Fritz, wrote on Fb, noting that his resilient son additionally sustained a number of lacerations and bruises to his face and physique.
“The most disheartening part of the day was his frustration. It’s tough to reexplain to someone over and over again a traumatic event they have suffered. The emotions are flowing.”
Brad, additionally identified locally as “Champ,” was initially intubated and sedated earlier than medical doctors eliminated his respiration tube Thursday. His father is now involved along with his short-term reminiscence, noting that his son has “no recollection” of what occurred to him however is overjoyed by the neighborhood’s help.
Fritz was a 15-year-old varsity soccer standout at Covington Catholic Excessive College in Park Hills when a drunk driver slammed right into a automotive he was in with associates in 1999, based on the Cincinnati Enquirer.
The crash left him with a traumatic mind damage, confined to a wheelchair and in a coma for 3 months.
He has since devoted his life to educating younger individuals concerning the risks of impaired driving.
“If there is one thing about Brad, he is a fighter,” his father wrote on Fb.
“He always reminds us that he is Champ. He surely is deserving of that title today.”
Police have since arrested James McGillicuddy in reference to Tuesday’s devastating incident — the third time he’s been caught with an open container in his car, prosecutors mentioned.
He was charged with working a motorcar below the affect, possession of an open container in a motorcar, assault and felony mischief, the outlet reported.
“After he was arrested, they found cases of beer and an open alcoholic beverage container that was still cold to the touch,” Kenton County Commonwealth’s Lawyer Rob Sanders mentioned.
“This is why driving impaired is so dangerous, because it only takes one time to have tragic consequences.”
The reckless driver reportedly posted a $10,000 bond and is due again in courtroom on July 15.
