Officer Craig Taylor was one of two motorcycle officers escorting a wide load on SH-62, when a truck traveling in the northbound lane suddenly struck Taylor head on.
NEWTON COUNTY, Texas — A Memorial Villages Police Department officer is recovering after being flown to a hospital Friday afternoon following a crash involving a truck on State Highway 62 north of Mauriceville.
Officer Craig Taylor was one of two motorcycle officers escorting a wide load on SH-62, when a truck traveling in the northbound lane suddenly struck Taylor head on.
The crash happened just after 1 p.m. Friday, and emergency responders were called to the scene on SH-62 near County Road 3147. Taylor was flown to St. Elizabeth Hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.
Today, the Memorial Villages Police posted a statement from Taylor’s family giving an update on his condition.
“He does have trauma to his brain. The most serious injury on his brain was corrected in Beaumont, and he will have another surgery to the front of his skull within the next few days,” read the post from Memorial Villages Police.
It goes on to say that they do not yet know the long term extent of Taylors injuries until he wakes up from sedation.
Officer Taylor also suffered numerous broken bones in his legs and arms as well as some undetermined trauma to his neck, all requiring separate surgeries. His face also has several broken bones and cuts that will require plastic surgery.
Doctors are reportedly keeping Taylor heavily sedated to help with the pain due to the severe trauma his body went through.
“This man we love so much is a fighter. He is fighting with all the strength he has and making huge strides through out the days. He opens his eyes and gives a thumbs up anytime the nurses ask him to,” read the post. “He has a long road ahead but with his continued fight and all your wonderful prayers and support he will continue to improve.”
The driver of the Toyota truck was also taken to a hospital by ground ambulance. According to DPS, the driver of the truck was not injured.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the crash.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.