Long-time civic leader seriously injured
by Sherrie Williams
An accident last Wednesday evening resulted in Sam Hunter, a 85 year-old long time resident and community leader, losing the lower part of both of his legs.

According to Sam’s son Gary, Sam was at the home of his grandson, Patrick and Cimbre Hunter, home on US 287 Access Road, and was jump-starting a tractor hooked to a brush hog when the accident happened.

According to Gary, Sam was standing beside the tractor and when it started it began to bounce. The motion knocked Sam down and the tractor wheels ran over his legs. He was able to free his legs from the tractor wheels only to have the tractor pull the brush hog over his legs.

Sam yelled for help and his wife Wanda, who was outside with him, ran to a neighbor’s house for help.

Patrick and his wife were in Wichita Falls at the time of the accident.

The neighbors, Doug and Charolotte Arnold, responded quickly. While Charolotte called 911, and worked to stop the bleeding, wrapping towels around Sam’s legs and applying pressure.

Iowa Park Police officers Josh Barns and Sherry Fowler arrived at the scene and Barns made a tourniquet using rope from the back of Sam’s truck.

Iowa Park EMTs arrived and stabilized Sam before he was transported to United Regional Hospital by ambulance where his road to recovery began as he amazed everyone.

Sam and Wanda’s children, Gary of Dimmitt and Carol Theimer of Allen began the drive to their parent’s side while spending time on their phones getting updates on their Dad’s condition from Patrick.

Sam remained conscious throughout the ordeal, reportedly talking with nurses until they sedated him for surgery shortly after his arrival to the hospital.

Following surgery, Sam spent one day in ICU and was then moved to a room. By Friday afternoon, less than 48 hours after the accident, he was sent to HealthSouth to begin rehab.

However, due to complications Sam was readmitted to United Regional Hospital Sunday evening where he continues to recover.

Gary and Carol’s message to those who were involved in the incident, “We want to thank everyone who helped, the Arnolds, police officers, the first responders, and everyone else who helped whether at the scene or at the hospital. Thank you, all!”