Troy Sylvester, 45, son of Hall of Fame trainer Chuck Sylvester was seriously injured in an ATV accident on Wednesday August 5, at the family’s Magical Acres training center

in Chesterfield, New Jersey. Sylvester was riding the ATV when it flipped end over end, destroying the vehicle.

Sylvester suffered critical injuries including two collapsed lungs, a broken pelvis and tailbone, broken bones in the face, a punctured spleen and injuries to the brain. A nephew, Ryan, was with him at the time of the accident and with the help of the 911 operator was able to clear his airways. Emergency Medical Technicians arrived on the scene and Sylvester was transported to the trauma unit at Capital Health Hospital in nearby Trenton, New Jersey.

Sylvester had emergency surgery to reduce swelling on the brain and remains in a coma. “His doctors told us at first they were worried that the brain injuries were a result of lack of oxygen,” said his sister Amy. “But now they think it may have been the accident itself. That is the only bright side, if there is one, is that injuries from lack of oxygen are much harder to overcome. He can breathe on his own right now, but is on a ventilator to conserve his strength. The doctors want him to remain in a coma for a few days to help with the recovery.

“They have told us it will be a very long haul and our family and friends are all coming so we can take shifts, but he’s made it through the first 12 hours and that’s crucial,” she said. “The outpouring of love and concern has been overwhelming and we are very grateful. We’ll try and keep everyone informed as we can.”

(harnessracing.com)