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Lexington HeraldLeader
Harlan County basketball player has finger amputated after fireworks accident
By Christopher Leach, Valarie Honeycutt Spears,
19 hours ago
A Harlan County high school student and basketball player injured his hand in a Fourth of July fireworks accident Thursday, according to Facebook posts from the basketball player’s sister.
Reggie Cottrell, a starter on the Harlan County boys basketball team that finished runner-up in last season’s state tournament , was attempting to light a firework when it suddenly blew up, according to Cottrell’s sister, Lexie Cottrell, who has been providing updates on her Facebook page. Lexie Cottrell said her brother wasn’t messing around when the accident happened and the wick didn’t even light before the firework exploded.
“It happens everyday in many places and it just so happen to happen to him so just please have an adult around when lighting fireworks,” Lexie Cottrell said in a Facebook post.
Harlan’s Reggie Cottrell (1), shown here during a 2024 quarterfinal game in the Boys’ Sweet 16 state basketball tournament, was a starter for the team that finished as the state runner-up. James Crisp
Reggie Cottrell was flown to a hospital in Lexington and underwent surgery. Lexie Cottrell said her brother’s pointer finger was amputated while his middle and index fingers were partially amputated.
Reggie Cottrell, who will be a junior this coming year, also suffered a broken thumb, according to his sister. University of Kentucky spokesperson Jay Blanton said Reggie Cottrell was in good condition Friday at UK Healthcare.
Reggie Cottrell released a statement after the accident, saying he appreciates everyone’s love and prayers.
“I am overwhelmed by the support for me and my family from Harlan County, the 13th Region, and the entire state of Kentucky,” Cottrell said in a statement. “Please continue to pray for me as I recover. I look forward to getting back home to Harlan County very soon and I am thankful for everyone’s love and support.”
Lexie Cottrell said her brother is expected to recover and will attempt to play basketball again.
“I just wanna say no matter what happens we know our boy gonna be out there on that court,” Lexie Cottrell said in a Facebook post. “It may be hard and it may be a struggle but Reggie Cottrell is a fighter! He will not give up.”
Update:He’s out of surgery and he’s doing ok! His middle and index was a partial amputation, his pointer finger was...
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