Schuylkill County Commissioner Boots Hetherington was seriously injured in farming accident at his business outside Ringtown Tuesday.
According to a post on the B&R Farms Facebook page, Hetherington fell out of the top of the hay mow and sustained serious injuries. The farm says Boots will recover “albeit slower than any farmer prefers.”
A hay mow is generally a part of a barn where hay is stored.
Hetherington was absent from Wednesday’s Schuylkill County Commissioners meeting. And several people in the public did wish him well and send their thoughts and prayers for his recovery.
Schuylkill County Commissioner Injured in Farming Accident
“Yesterday, we got a reminder close to home that agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries in the world,” the Facebook post from Boots’ farm, known for its strawberries, reads. “We do greatly appreciate all the well wishes and support from our family, friends, our neighbors, and all of the first responders and medical professionals who flew into action when we needed them the most.”
According to the Republican Herald newspaper, Hetherington was air lifted from the Ringtown area to Geisinger Hospital in Danville for treatment of the injuries sustained in the fall on Tuesday.
There is no public timetable on Boots’ recovery. However, Hetherington’s family asks for privacy as the Commissioner recovers.
“Know that he’s in good spirits and in great hands,” the post continues. “Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for all your concern and prayers.”
Hetherington was appointed Schuylkill County Commissioner in early-2020 following the sudden death of longtime Commissioner Frank Staudenmeier. He was soon named Commissioners Chairman when his colleague George Halcovage stepped aside from that role amid a legal investigation.
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