OREM, Utah (ABC 4) - It's been almost a year since a Utah County boy nearly lost his leg and his life to an illegal homemade firework set off by a neighbor.
Bridger Hunt and his family wanted to share a warning about the dangers of this holiday season. They said it was a very difficult year and while Bridger has made great progress, life will never be the same. That's why they warned others to be careful with legal fireworks and avoid illegal ones altogether. They said accidents can happen to anybody.
On July 25th of 2008, a homemade firework sent shrapnel through Bridger’s body.
"I didn't know what happened,” Bridger said. “I kind of looked over and my leg was up by my face."
He was taken to the hospital in critical condition. The next day, his heart stopped beating, but he was revived. Months of pain and rehabilitation followed. Doctors predicted he would never walk again.
Bridger can now walk short distances, and he maneuvers about his home on crutches.
"He's still in pain he's still having a hard time,” said his mother, Mindy Carter Shaw. “My heart still breaks a lot."
Now that the firework season is about to begin again, Bridger and his mom want to prevent that heartbreak from happening to other families.
“I don’t like them at all,” Bridger said. “I hate fireworks now."
Bridger didn’t even like legal fireworks, but it's the illegal ones that they were especially concerned about.
"I don't want to see somebody else lose their life or lose a limb or anything like that,” Mindy said. “So please, please realize it's real. It can happen to you."
She said she heard from other parents whose children were also injured by fireworks bought across the border.
"I have seen kids holding bottle rockets in their hands and have gotten their hands blown off,” Mindy said. “It happens all of the time."
They said there are some mistakes that can't be taken back.
Mindy said, "One little mistake and it may be your life you change or somebody else’s."
Mindy Carter Shaw and Bridger said they are planning an anniversary party to thank everyone who has been so supportive in the past year. They said they are still working on the creation of a foundation to help others.
If you are interested in the anniversary party, email Mindy Shaw at mindyshaw33@yahoo.com
