Utah cowboy, 4, recovering after being kicked in the head by a HORSE
Utah cowboy, 4, recovers after being kicked in the head by a HORSE, leaving him with a fractured skull, spine and brain damage
- Houston Hampton was walking with his older cousin when he was injured
- A startled horse kicked him in the head, fracturing the front of his skull
- He was transported by helicopter to hospital, where he is still recovering from his injuries
A four-year-old cowboy recovers from serious injuries after being kicked in the head by a horse near his family’s rural ranch in Utah.
Houston Hampton suffered a fractured skull and spine and brain damage after Friday’s accident in the small town of Aurora.
He and some relatives were walking to his grandparents’ house when they decided to check out a fish trap in a lake.
But when the relatives walked back over the fence, one of the horses got scared and kicked the boy in the head, according to his parents.
The older cousin walked on and out and he kept walking up the gate and frightened one of the horses [Houston] found out and it kicked him in the head,” his father, Trey, told ABC4.
Houston’s family has said the little cowboy has been riding with assistance since he was about a year old
The boy suffered a skull and spine fracture and brain damage. He is currently recovering from surgery
Houston was helped by EMS and airlifted to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City
The boy’s family rushed to help Houston, who was knocked unconscious after the kick and had his forehead split open.
He was treated by EMTs and airlifted to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, where he underwent surgery.
During the surgery, doctors reportedly had to remove the boy’s skull cap and five percent of the brain tissue from his frontal lobe, which was damaged.
His mother Kodi shared on Facebook that the fracture was at the very front of Houston’s skull, allowing the brain to swell and saving his life.
However, the family praises the quick response of Houston’s father and uncle, as well as that of first responders.
“Knowing the basics of what I know, my brother getting instructions from the emergency room, and the quick response from the first responders, we were able to load Houston quickly,” his uncle Tyler told NBC affiliate KTSU.
Houston has moved his fingers and toes but is still in critical condition and has a long recovery ahead of him
Houston Hampton was seriously injured on Friday after a startled horse kicked him in the head
Houston has moved his fingers and toes but is still in critical condition and has a long recovery ahead of him.
On Monday, his mother shared an update on Facebook, explaining that the bandages had been removed from the surgical incision.
“We just didn’t know what to expect, but we’re so happy with how good it looks. The incision on his scalp is zig-zag to help his hair blend better as it grows back,” the mother wrote.
His body is so swollen from head to toe. Partly because of the trauma he suffered and also the fluids being pumped into him to balance his pressure and numbers.
“We hope his fluid production will increase soon. It absolutely breaks my heart to see him like this,” she added.
Houston’s family has said the little cowboy has been riding with assistance since he was about a year old.
The central Utah community has rallied around Houston’s recovery and has scheduled a July 19 fundraising event called Hats off to Houston.
Tickets to the event at Blackhawk Arena in Salina cost $5, with all money going to Houston’s family.