A Hardin County deputy is being recognized for comforting a teenager who suffered a disturbing leg injury in a dirt bike versus side-by-side accident.
The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office said the accident occurred on August 16 when 13-year-old Mason Skees, of White Mills, was breaking in his new dirt bike at the same time his cousin was learning to drive a side-by-side on the family farm.
“In an instant, the two paths crossed as the side by side exited some tall grass unknowingly in front of Mason and they collided, leaving Mason with a devastating leg injury,” the sheriff’s office said.
The accident resulted in Mason’s femur being shattered “into more than fifty pieces,” according to the sheriff’s office.
“He required six units of blood, underwent four surgeries, and spent nine days at Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville. He was airlifted from the scene to Louisville, where skilled surgeons were able to save his leg,” the sheriff’s office said. “Though Mason faces months without putting weight on his leg, he has shown an incredible spirit and determination.”
Responding to the accident was Hardin County Deputy AJ Rees, who was nearby working the White Mills Days parade. He arrived first on the scene.
“Deputy Rees laid on the ground beside Mason, held his hand and talked him through the difficult moments as medical crews worked. Mason never shed a tear,” the sheriff’s office stated.
On Tuesday, Mason was released from the hospital, as Rees stopped by and surprised the teen with a basket of snacks, an Xbox gift card and a generous donation made by Rees’s church.
“Mason,” the sheriff’s office said, “has a message he wants everyone to hear: always wear your helmet, even if you’re just riding in the yard. His helmet strap broke and the helmet itself cracked in the crash, but he knows it saved him from far more serious injury.”
(Photo: Hardin Co. Deputy AJ Rees with Mason Skees after Skees was released from the hospital, courtesy of the Hardin Co. Sheriff’s Office)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
