WOUNDED PIRATE FACES LONG ROAD AHEAD

1/2/2017

BROOKSVILLE, FL  On December 29, 2016 at 9:00am, Joe Trafford (19) was driving to work when he was involved in a single vehicle traffic crash in Brooksville, FL, near the area of Mondan Hill Road and Atlantis Lane. Trafford's Ford F-150 pickup lost control and rolled over multiple times. Trafford was ejected from the vehicle and the vehicle rolled onto and over him, causing severe injuries. He was flown by helicopter to Bayonet Point Hospital in Hudson, FL and is in critical condition. Trafford was the driver and only vehicle involved in the crash.

Trafford was part of the Class of 2016 at Hernando High School in Brooksville, FL. This past summer, he joined the Anclote Pirates men's minor league football team, and scheduled to begin their regular season in Dunedin, FL on January 28, 2017. Pirates CEO Andy Villamarzo said, "This is a tragedy that has shocked our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with JT and his family through this difficult time. This could of happened to any one of us, or any of our family members.  You never know when something will happen to suddenly change a family forever. Cherish every moment with your loved ones and don't take anything for granted. We ask the community to pray for his recovery and donate to his recovery fund."

A fund has been set up to help Trafford and his family: www.youcaring.com/joeysroadtorecovery

Trafford will have a long and difficult road ahead of him due to the serious extent of his injuries. He has had several surgeries already and will have more.

Updates will be posted at www.anclotepirates.com