A well-known figure in Kentucky, recognized for enthusiastically waving to passing cars from his wheelchair, is fighting for his life after being struck by a suspected drunk driver.
Brad Fritz, affectionately dubbed “wheelchair shaking,” was hospitalized on Tuesday night with serious injuries after colliding with a pickup truck at an intersection in Edgewood that he frequents to greet motorists, according to local sources.
The 41-year-old’s family reported that he sustained a “large list of injuries,” including multiple skull fractures, collapsed lungs, and a fractured pelvis, along with numerous broken ribs. Surgeons had to use rods, plates, and screws to repair the damage.
“It’s painful to witness someone suffer like this,” expressed his father, Mickey Fritz, in a Facebook update, adding that Brad is also dealing with some facial and bodily bruises and tears.
“The hardest part was seeing his frustration. It’s tough to relive those traumatic moments,” he noted, sharing that emotions have been running high.
Brad, recognized as a local “champion,” was intubated and sedated initially after the incident, but doctors later removed the breathing tube. His father mentioned that, as of now, his son has no recollection of the crash but is grateful for all the community support.
This isn’t the first time tragedy has struck; in 1999, when he was just a 15-year-old standout football player at Covington Catholic High School, Brad was injured in a drunken driving incident that left him with a traumatic brain injury. He spent three months in a coma and subsequently became wheelchair-bound.
Since then, he has committed himself to educating young people about the dangers of impaired driving.
“If there’s one thing about Brad, it’s that he’s a fighter,” his father wrote on Facebook. “He always tells me he’s a champion, and he definitely deserves that title today.”
Brad has even been inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in Northern Kentucky for his contributions.
Authorities arrested James McGillikudy in connection with the incident. Prosecutors stated that this was the third time he had been caught with an open container while driving.
McGillikudy has been charged with driving under the influence, having an open container in a vehicle, assault, and criminal mischief.
“After his arrest, officers found a case of beer and an open container that was still cold,” remarked Rob Sanders, a Kenton County Commonwealth attorney. “This illustrates why impaired driving is so hazardous; it only takes one moment for a tragedy to happen.”
The suspect has reportedly posted a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 15th.
