Jim Traficant seriously injured in tractor accident at daughter's farm
Ex Congressman Jim Traficant, continues to fight for his life, following a tractor accident.
Attorney Heidi Hanni, legal counsel for the Traficant family, tells 21 News that the former congressman remains in critical condition. He is unresponsive and sedated. Hanni also said Traficant has had a CAT scan.
Emergency responders were called to the scene about 7:40 Tuesday night, and found Jim Traficant pinned under his 1943 vintage Ford tractor.
"I'm not sure if he hit the wrong, hit the clutch to the brake. But he traveled through the pole barn there and struck a large steel blade. It was like a push blade, causing the tractor to roll backwards. When EMS got there he was still in the driver's seat, underneath the tractor," said Chief Steven McDaniel, with the Goshen Police Department.
It was Green Township firefighters that miraculously lifted the 3,000 pound tractor and pulled the former Congressman to safety. They immediately began administering CPR.
"When EMS got there he was unresponsive," said McDaniel.
Traficant was taken to a Salem Hospital and later transported by air to Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center in Youngstown.
A family spokesperson told 21 News, that former Congressman Traficant remains in critical condition at St. Elizabeth's Health Center in the Intensive Care Unit.
"Originally we were going to use airbags, but myself and a paramedic, Heather Gilby, lifted the tractor partially so we could get the individual out," said Todd Baird, Green Township Fire Chief.
A man buying equipment from Traficant was at the farm when the accident happened, and he immediately called for help.
"He didn't know the address. He had to run out to the street and then call 9-1-1," added McDaniel.
Ironically, it was the same farm that was at the center of Traficant's legal troubles with the Justice Department, but those who know him best say this farm is what he loved.
Commissioner Anthony Traficanti at one time worked for Traficant, "Believe it or not that was his way to relax. That was his way out of the frenzy, so to speak. When he came home from Washington, D.C. He actually looked forward to spending many, many days and hours on his farm."
Now those closest to him are praying the former Congressman known for his tenacity and fighting spirit will fight the hardest for his life.
"It's not the end of the road yet. So, for Jim Traficant he's a fighter, he'll have the last say," said Linda Kovachick, a close family friend.
Traficanti added, "Jim's a fighter, he always was, and I feel he's going to pull through this with flying colors - cause he's never backed down from anything in his life."
Traficant's condition remains critical, and his family, while thankful for all the phone calls and prayers are asking for privacy at this time.