ALDOT worker’s legs amputated

The Cullman Times

May 07, 2008 09:14 pm

— By Trent Moore
trentm@cullmantimes.com
Two of the three Arab residents struck by vehicles in an accident on Interstate 65 Monday have been released by Cullman Regional Medical Center. Both Michael Tolton and Tommy Conner were well enough to be sent home Monday evening.
The third man, 21-year-old Joey Mallard, is still in very critical condition at UAB Hospital.
Mallard’s legs have been amputated due to his injuries, said Kelley Denson, a close friend of Mallard’s family.
“The doctors said he’s just barely stable enough to operate on,” she said.
Mallard went into surgery at around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday for the amputation procedure.
Wednesday at 2 p.m., Mallard’s stepfather Terry Halligan said he came through the surgery and his vital signs were improving.
“He’s doing better,” Halligan said. “But he’s still not out of the woods yet.”
Mallard’s mother Jeannette Sansiorenzo and Halligan have taken off from work to be in Birmingham with their son.
Denson has started a charity fund to help with the family’s financial burden. She opened an account at Redstone Federal Credit Union under the name of Joey's Donation Fund and is encouraging anyone interested to give what they can.
“Please help me help this family, they really need it terribly,” she said. “It doesn't take much and you are so much appreciated.”
The accident occurred Monday at around 9:43 a.m. when a white pick-up truck being pulled by a 2000 Safari RV came loose on I-65. All three men were working for the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) at the time and were injured.
According to state trooper reports, as of Wednesday the incident is still under investigation.