LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB)---We first told you in August about a Harrison County firefighter who was critically wounded in an ATV crash and spent 35 days in the hospital.
For 33-year-old Trevor Whittaker, the last month-and-a half has not been easy.
"I am doing a lot better than I was," says Trevor Whittaker.
However, ask him about an accident that happened near his home in Depauw on August 24th and the Ramsey volunteer firefighter draws a blank.
"I remember absolutely nothing about that day," says Trevor Whittaker.
Whittaker was riding his ATV along Mt. Tabor Road and crashed into a deer that jumped out at him. His father was one of the first responders.
"My dad was the very first person there, and grateful that everybody showed up," says Trevor Whittaker.
"And all they were able to tell me was he was breathing and that was the only information I was given," says Lynn Whittaker.
It was the first time he rode the ATV to work. He was less than a half mile from his home.
Whittaker suffered a broken clavicle, and not wearing a helmet, had serious injuries to his head.
"I had a brain bleed I think. I had some bruises on my brain. My brain was swollen really bad, so they had to take part of my skull off," says Trevor Whittaker.
His wife Lynn says the outlook was grim.
"I was preparing with my sister how to tell our kids they had lost their dad," says Lynn Whittaker.
She never had to have that conversation.
Trevor Whittaker has surpassed all expectations, and is now recovering at home.
He must temporarily wear a helmet while his head heals, and still has nerve pain in his foot. The first responder is just happy to be with his family and has his own message to ATV riders.
"It doesn't matter if you're just riding in the yard, wear a helmet, because that would have saved me a lot of trouble if I just had my helmet on," says Trevor Whittaker.
Whittaker says he is grateful for the community support he's received and for the school bus driver that discovered him the day of the crash and called for help.
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