A Pine County Sheriff’s Deputy is recovering at a regional trauma center after being thrown from his patrol motorcycle in a crash involving a suspected drunk driver.
Deputy Brian Carter is facing a long recovery after suffering a traumatic brain injury, broken legs and arms, and multiple fractures to his spine and pelvis. His daughter, Emily Carter, spoke with Local News 7 about the crash.
“His life flashed before my eyes,” Emily said, holding back tears as she recounted hearing about the May 19 incident.
Emily, who works as a nurse at Riverbend Hospital in Westfield, was on duty that afternoon. She had planned to celebrate her younger sister’s birthday with their father that evening. Those plans changed with a single phone call from her mother.
“She told me, ‘Your dad was in an accident. He’s being flown to Capital Medical Center and I’m coming to get you now,’” Emily said. The 50-mile ride to the trauma center felt endless as Emily and her sister clung to each other in the back seat, uncertain if their father would survive.
“I had just seen him the day before at our regular breakfast. My dad and I are very close,” Emily explained. “He’s always been my safe place. Before he leaves, he always tells us he loves us and gives us a hug. He’s one of the best people I know.”
Emily knows firsthand how devastating motorcycle crashes can be. She worried about the extent of her father’s injuries and wondered whether he would even recognize her when he woke up.
When the family arrived at Capital Medical Center, fellow deputies from Pine County were already there, standing guard and offering support.
“They were holding us—even people who worked with my dad that we’d never met,” Emily said. After hours of waiting, she and her family were taken to the intensive care unit.
“I walked in with my sister and we broke down,” she recalled. “He was in a neck brace. His eyes weren’t open. I just started crying.”
Emily said she had never seen her father hospitalized before. The experience underscored how dangerous the road can be—especially for those who ride motorcycles.
“The vest he wore saved his life, and so did his helmet. It could have been so much worse,” she said.
The State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. Troopers suspect the driver responsible was impaired at the time. A blood sample has been sent to the state crime lab to determine if criminal charges will follow.
“My dad knows what happened and he’s taking it hard,” Emily said. “He’s angry, and that’s understandable. It will take time to process everything and come to terms with it.”
Emily hopes her family’s ordeal will encourage everyone to think before they get behind the wheel impaired.
“People need to understand how serious this is. This could have been avoided. Someone’s reckless choice almost took my dad’s life. It nearly took him away from us forever. One mistake can change lives in an instant.”
How would you react if this happened to your loved one? What steps will you take to keep your community safe on the roads?
