Former Clovis resident recovering from train accident

Former Clovis resident Paul Young is recovering from his sixth surgery on Friday after losing his legs and left arm in a train accident, said his father, Mike Young.

“He is in good spirits and has a good attitude,” Mike Young said.

Mike said his 28-year-old son will have to undergo several more surgeries at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, to remove an infection that prevents doctors from closing the wounds.

“They are working hard to eliminate the infection,” Mike said. “All we can do is pray and wait for this to pass.”

Mike said the doctors have spoken to Paul and his family about rehabilitation centers. He said once the surgeries are complete they will move Paul to an in-house rehabilitation facility, where he will stay for two months.

“The doctors gave us a list of rehabs to check out,” Mike said. “We have not looked in to any rehab at this point. We are still waiting for him to be done with the surgeries.”

Young, a BNSF foreman, was seriously injured on Monday while working on a switch crew in the 5300 block of Blue Mound Road at the BNSF crossing in Fort Worth, Texas.

He has been working for the company for seven years.

Mike Young said he has received several calls from friends and family in the Clovis area checking up on Paul’s condition.

“We appreciate every one who as called to check on Paul and wish him well,” Mike said.

Mike said he and his family moved from Clovis to Fort Worth in 1996 after Paul completed eighth grade at Yucca Middle School.

“He was very active with soccer,” Mike said. “We still have a lot of ties to Clovis and appreciate the support.”

Since 2002 in Tarrant County, there have been 111 accidents or incidents involving trains, resulting in 52 injured workers. Statewide during the same period, 501 workers have been injured, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.