Teen continues recovery from combine accident

By Vershal Hogan (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Thursday, August 13, 2009

JACKSON — The Waterproof teen seriously injured in a Saturday farming accident could leave the hospital today, his father said.

Justin Hubbard, 19, was working near an idling combine at Davis Farms south of Waterproof when the machine’s grabbing chain snagged his pants and pulled him onto the machine’s rollers.

His father, James Davis Jr., was able to stop the machine before it completely pulled in both of his legs, but Hubbard’s left leg was severely mangled and his right leg suffered four deep puncture wounds.

Emergency responders had to be called in to remove him from the machine with the Jaws of Life, and he was transported to University Medical Center.

Hubbard’s left leg had to be amputated 10-12 centimeters below his knee, but his right leg will recover fine and won’t need therapy, Davis said.

Doctors said the leg that was amputated shouldn’t have any problem being fitted for a prosthetic, he said.

The teen is resting and — though he was unhappy to spend his 19th birthday in the hospital — in good spirits, Davis said.

“For the circumstances he is faced with, I think he is doing fine,” Davis said.

The first thing Hubbard told his father after coming out surgery was that he was blessed because he was alive.

“That’s just amazing,” Davis said.

The doctor has said the site of Hubbard’s amputation is healing well, and if she determines it is healed enough he can leave today, Davis said.

If that is not the case, then Hubbard will be able to leave the hospital and start rehabilitation Monday, Davis said.

“He has a long road ahead of him,” Davis said.