Man Loses Leg After Demo Derby Accident at Delaware County Fair - GoFundMe Page Set Up for Man and Family

WALTON - An Otego man acting as a volunteer official during a demolition derby at the Delaware County Fair suffered a horrible accident resulting in having his leg amputated, according to sources.

Eric Eberling, a self-employed owner of Big E’s Shed Sleddin and Sales in Otego, was injured Saturday, at the Delaware County Fair when a barrier at the demolition derby fell on his foot, crushing it.  According to sources, Mr. Eberling was taken to a local hospital, where he had emergency surgery.

On Monday, his sister-in-law Kristen Sperry created a GoFundMe for Mr. Eberling and his family. In just a few days, they have come close to quadrupling their initial goal of raising $5,000.

Ms. Sperry posted the following on the GoFundMe page:

"As some of you know, my brother-in-law, Eric 'Big E' Eberling, was tragically injured while officiating a demolition derby. Eric’s foot was severely crushed which resulted in an emergency surgery to amputate his foot. Within 48 hours, Eric will undergo a second surgery, removing the lower section of his leg below his knee. In a month, he will get fitted for a prosthetic leg."

Ms. Sperry added, "Eric and Ashley are the kindest giving people I know. Eric is the first one to show up to tow, plow, or sponsor an event." According to the GoFundMe page, Mr. Eberling is self-employed and owns Big E’s Shed Sledding and Sales in Otego.

When the injury happened, Mr. Eberling was treated by the Walton Fire Department and EMS before being transferred to UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City.