Huntley Daniels: Boy thrown from carnival ride in Antioch recovering at home, using a walker
ANTIOCH, Ill. - Huntley Daniels, the 10-year-old boy who was thrown from a carnival ride in Antioch earlier this month, is now recovering at home.
The heartwarming update comes from first responders, who on Wednesday, were honored for their life-saving efforts at the scene.
"When I saw the call notes, it definitely hit home," said Ben Fooden, Antioch firefighter and paramedic. "We train a ton for calls like these but you never expect them to happen."
On Sunday, July 16 at the Taste of Summer Festival in Antioch, Daniels was riding Moby Dick, a thrill ride that sends carnival-goers in circular motions through the air at increasing speeds. Witnesses said that on the third rotation, the boy was ejected from the ride and landed on the pavement.
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Daniels was airlifted to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, then was transferred to Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago. He suffered multiple facial and jaw fractures and a significant injury to the bones in one leg, village officials said.
On Wednesday, officials told FOX 32 Chicago that Daniels is home from the hospital and is back on his feet with the help of a walker. He has also started physical therapy.
"He had a smile on his face, he showed us his bruises," said Battalion Chief Joseph DuShane, Antioch Fire Department. "It was very emotional for some of the crews."
Well on the road to recovery, he even visited the Antioch Fire Department this week to thank the first responders who saved his life.
"The fact that he’s got minor bruising and is in good spirits, laughing, it’s just heartwarming," said Fooden.
As Daniels focuses on his recovery, the first responders who rushed to his aid earlier this month were recognized at a village board meeting Wednesday evening.
"I was the first on scene with the ambulance crew," said DuShane. "And my first thing to the medic was, I’m going to call for a helicopter. So we got that going, it was like 15 minutes out, they got here within seven."
Mayor Scott Gartner awarded each of them with a certificate, and while it’s a wonderful honor, for some, the true reward was simply being there to help.
"To be recognized, I mean it’s an honor, but we do this job not to be honored, we do it for the liking of helping others and protecting and serving this community," said Fooden.
A GoFundMe account established to help cover the cost of Daniels’ medical bills has already raised more than $45,000.
Meanwhile, a criminal investigation into the accident remains underway.
On July 19, police obtained a search warrant and secured possession of the carnival ride involved in the incident.