He may have been 81, but that hadn’t slowed Howard Galbreath from cutting down trees, chopping firewood, and other active work on the Owenton, Ky. farm he shares with his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.
In 2022, the Kentucky farmer was busy going about his day on the farm when a freak ATV accident crushed the right side of his body.
“I know I’m hurt bad,” Howard remembers thinking as the 700-lb. ATV rolled off of him. Somehow, he reached his phone and had the wherewithal to have his daughter call 9-1-1.
Howard’s life-threatening injury consisted of a fractured collarbone and seven fractured ribs, all jeopardizing the blood vessels around his heart.
It took a rare surgical procedure led by UK HealthCare trauma surgeon Dr. Zachary Warriner to stabilize Howard’s ribs, protect his heart, and ensure he would be able to return to the active life he loved.
Read more about the life-saving care Howard received at UK HealthCare and how his recovery has him back on the farm below.
