ECU commit who lost leg in boating accident being closely monitored

[mahatmakanejeeves]

SPORTS

ECU commit who lost leg in boating accident being closely monitored

by: Jason O. Boyd

Posted: Aug 7, 2022 / 11:09 AM EDT

Updated: Aug 7, 2022 / 06:36 PM EDT

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Parker Byrd’s mother posted an update on Facebook Saturday on his progress following surgery to remove part of his right leg after a scary boating accident that happened to him back in July.

Byrd is an incoming freshman baseball player at East Carolina University who was involved in a boating accident in July. After a slow recovery process, it was determined earlier this week part of his right leg had to be amputated.

{snip}

The amputation of his right knee was performed Thursday due to no blood flow to his right foot and because his calf muscle was dying due to the lack of blood. Doctors were hopeful the amputation below the knee would be successful so the healing process could continue. Rehab and further steps such as a prosthetic being placed where Parker’s leg was are also possible down the road.

“He has an amazing team of physicians that are working tirelessly to get him there,” Mitzi Byrd wrote on Facebook. “Our prayer this weekend is that the blood flow to the tissue/muscles below the right knee increases in order to keep his knee, that no infections creep in, that his pain is controlled, and that his thigh muscles continue to heal. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. It’s truly means the world to our family.”

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Community gathers in prayer for Parker Byrd

Brandon Hodge Sports Writer - August 5, 2022

LAURINBURG – The Scotland High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted a prayer vigil for Parker Byrd Thursday Evening. ... Byrd was involved in a serious boating accident, in July, while tubing in Bath Creek. A rope, which was attached to the boat, got caught in the propeller and drifted Byrd toward the boat, damaging both of his legs.

Parker’s mom, Mitzi Lee Byrd, posted on her Facebook page that doctors had expected him to make a full recovery, but became concerned this week, when the coloring and temperature of his right foot were off. ... It resulted in a below-the-knee amputation to his right leg Thursday morning.

Mitzi Lee Byrd posted the following on Facebook after the amputation. ... “Dr. Zeri did a below the knee amputation to his right leg. His complete calf muscle was dead and he had to go a bit higher to the knee than he would have liked to. The area right below the knee doesn’t have great blood supply… it’s there but not great. He isn’t confident that he won’t have to go back and do an above the knee amputation right now, because his muscles in his thigh are still not healed.”

Before knowing about the amputation, pastors Paul Lemmond and Michael Malpass were asked to set up a prayer vigil for Parker, on Wednesday afternoon, by several student athletes while going to visit him in Greenville.

{snip}

Parker has been through nine surgeries as of Friday morning.

[littlemissmartypants]

1. Wishing Parker well. Thanks for sharing, mahatmakanejeeves. ❤

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. I'm trying to imagine something worse than this. I suppose it's possible.

He's just a kid, out enjoying a hot summer afternoon in the few weeks he has before he leaves for college.

[littlemissmartypants]

3. It really is tragic. I remember thinking that when I read of the accident initially.

I have spent more than one summer with friends water skiing and just generally goofing off at the river in Little Washington. An AKA was the last thing on my mind.

His whole life ahead of him...very sad.

❤