Upstate NY Man Loses Leg in Demo Derby Incident at County Fair

Man Loses Leg at Demo Derby in Upstate New York

A man from Upstate New York acting as a volunteer official during a demolition derby at a county fair suffered a horrible accident resulting in having his leg amputated, according to sources.

Eric Eberling is the self-employed owner of Big E’s Shed Sleddin and Sales in Otego, NY. On Saturday, he was injured at the Delaware County Fair when a barrier at the demolition derby fell on his foot, crushing it.  According to sources, Eberling was taken to a local hospital, where he had emergency surgery.

A GoFundMe Page Created

On Monday, sister-in-law Kristen Sperry created a GoFundMe for Eberling and his family. In just a few days, they've come close to quadrupling their initial goal of raising $5,000.

Here's, in part, what she posted on the GoFundMe:
"As some of you know, my brother-in-law, Eric “Big E” Eberling, was tragically injured while officiating a demolition derby. Eric’s foot was severely crushed which resulted in an emergency surgery to amputate his foot. Within 48 hours, Eric will undergo a second surgery, removing the lower section of his leg below his knee. In a month, he will get fitted for a prosthetic leg."

According to the GoFundMe page, Eric is self-employed and owns Big E’s Shed Sledding and Sales in Otego, NY, about an hour and 20 minutes southwest of Albany.

Two Kids with a Third on the Way

The donation page provides more information about the Eberlings' uphill battle, which includes tending to the family business while raising two daughters, ages 7 and 6, and another due in November.

It adds, "Eric and Ashley are the kindest giving people I know. Eric is the first one to show up to tow, plow, or sponsor an event."

When the injury occurred, Eberling was treated by the Walton Fire Department and EMS before being transferred to UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City.