Upstate New York man loses leg in demo derby incident at County Fair

Man loses leg at demo derby in upstate New York

According to sources, an upstate New York man who was volunteering as an official at a demolition derby at a state fair suffered a horrific accident that resulted in his leg being amputated.

Eric Eberling is the independent owner of Big E's Shed Sleddin and Sales in Otego, NY. He was injured Saturday at the Delaware County Fair when a barrier fell on his foot during the demolition derby and crushed him. Sources say Eberling was taken to a local hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

A GoFundMe page created

On Monday, sister-in-law Kristen Sperry started a GoFundMe campaign for Eberling and his family. Within days, they have nearly quadrupled their original goal of $5,000.

Here is an excerpt from her GoFundMe post:
“As some of you know, my brother-in-law Eric “Big E” Eberling was tragically injured while directing a demolition derby. Eric's foot was severely crushed, requiring emergency surgery to amputate his foot. Within 48 hours, Eric will have a second surgery to remove the lower portion of his leg below his knee. He will be fitted with a prosthetic leg in a month.”

According to the GoFundMe page, Eric is self-employed and owns Big E's Shed Sledding and Sales in Otego, NY, about an hour and 20 minutes southwest of Albany.

Two children, a third on the way

Visit the fundraising page for more information about the Eberlings' uphill struggle to manage the family business while raising two daughters, ages 7 and 6. Another child is due in November.

It adds: “Eric and Ashley are the most generous and kind people I know. Eric is the first to show up to tow, clean or sponsor an event.”

When the injury occurred, Eberling was treated by Walton Fire and Emergency Services before being transferred to UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City.

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