On July 12 of 2007 – messenger Michael Young was on the canal side watching the prince street fire like everyone else. He didn’t move when he heard the fire truck’s sirens because he figured he was a safe distance away. But when big trucks have to navigate narrow streets particularly in an emergency – mistakes happen. And that’s where Michael Young was as his bicycle was pulled to the ground and his leg was crushed. We followed up with him a couple of times after the accident – but were surprised to see his condition when we met him last week. Here’s more.
Jules Vasquez Reporting,
This was Michael Young in July of 2007 recovering after having his leg crushed by a fire truck.
[July, 2007]
Michael Young,
“The front of his vehicle hit my bicycle handle because I was sitting on my bicycle and then I fell on the ground. When the back wheel came up, the
two back wheels rolled over my leg.”
Two weeks later he was optimistic.
[August, 2007]
Michael Young,
“My foot is coming around; the swelling went down and the stitches that they put it in, they are healing up.”
But it never healed and this is him today. He has lost his leg.
Michael Young,
“They cut off my leg. They made me lose my leg. The fire engine made me lose my leg.”
And now this one time messenger is dependent upon the kindness of others.
Michael Young,
“My friends they give me something. They say they are sorry for me and they didn’t know it happened to me and they gave me a little donation; a $5 or a little $2 or whatever they want to give me.”
And he says he wants compensation.
Keith Swift,
What do you want?
Michael Young,
“What do I want? Well my want is endless but what I do I need? Give me back a little something so I could walk on and I could make little end again. I need that. I don’t really want that. I just need that.”
Anyone who can assist Michael Young can contact him at 602-6412.
