Landscaper Who Lost Leg In Wood Chipper Accident Gives Thanks

YARMOUTH, MA – A landscaper who lost his leg in a wood chipper accident on Cape Cod Friday was listed in stable condition over the weekend, Yarmouth police said. Dennis Port resident James Blaney, 32, thanked his coworkers and the first responders who rushed him to the hospital in a heartfelt statement posted to the Yarmouth Police Department's Facebook page.

"Thank you to everyone and your prayers, my coworkers saved my life, and if it wasn't for Nick and Kevin I don't think I would be here today," the statement read. "I've received an overwhelming amount of support, the chief of police called today to see how I was doing and I remember the EMT came to check on me last night as well, it's hard to accept the fact I no longer have a leg and it will be a long road ahead of me but I'm alive and that's all due to an army of first responders, my coworkers, and a fantastic team at Cape Cod Hospital."

Police said Blaney's coworkers at the Triple Crown Tree Company, 30-year-old Kevin McCarthy and 29-year-old Nick Callahan, helped save Blaney's life when he got stuck in the wood chipper around 9:50 a.m. Friday.

"McCarthy immediately called out for help and placed the machine in reverse," Yarmouth police said in a statement. "Callahan removed his belt and used it as a tourniquet around the victim's left leg, elevated it, applied pressure, and they both kept the victim calm as possible until Police and Fire arrived."

Blaney lost most of his left leg in the accident, according to police. A GoFundMe campaign has raised $3,560 of its $10,000 goal for his recovery.

Click here to donate to Blaney's fundraiser. GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

Top photo courtesy of GoFundMe