Josh Headford anxious to ride again after surviving 30-foot fall during Shriner Circus in Saginaw
American freestyle motocross (FMX) rider Josh Headford is already looking forward to mounting his bike again, just days after suffering severe injuries after a horrific accident during a circus act at the Dow Event Center’s Wendler Arena in Saginaw, Michigan,
on Sunday, February 5.
While still admitted to Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw, Headford gave an interview to Saginaw News in which he made it clear that he would be getting back on his bike as soon as possible.
“As soon as I can pull a boot on my leg, I’m going to be back on the bike,” said Headford. “We put on a heck of an act, and this isn’t my first injury.”
The 22-year-old FMX rider had it pretty rough on Sunday when he attempted to cross Wendler Arena during his performance at the final Shrine Circus show in Saginaw. He soared smoothly through the air until his bike hit a guide cable.
Completely taken by surprise, he plummeted about 30 feet to the ground, bringing Shriner Al Basner, who was playing the role of a clown for the act, down with him. Headford sustained a broken femur, as well as a fractured scapular and wrist.
It was only after the ringmaster shouted that he needs a doctor as the crash was not part of the act that the onlookers realise what was going on. They were requested to leave the tent as the stunt rider and the clown received immediate medical care before
being taken to Covenant HealthCare.
While Basner was discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment, Headford underwent surgery to stabilise his broken bones, though he is expected to make a full recovery soon.
According to Headford’s manager and friend Scott Murray, “Doctors surgically repaired Josh's right femur and right elbow. He also has a fractured scapular and wrist, but these should heal on their own.”
The 20-year-old Michigan-based rider blamed the Shriner Circus management for the accident, contending that the guide wire should either have been lowered or completely removed by staff prior to the act.
Talking to Saginaw News, he said, “I’ve been riding for about four years, and it’s rough and tumble. I do the sport, knowing the risks. But that cable wasn’t supposed to be there; that was not cool. I guess sometimes things just happen.”
The circus management has already begun to investigate the crash in order to learn why it really happened and who was truly responsible.
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