Doniel Woodcock Shares Story of Her Husband, Bud On Long Way to Recovery: Relief Efforts Underway

Darren Doyle, story:
Many prayers are going up and relief efforts are underway for Chalybeate resident Bud Woodcock, who was critically injured in an accident at the Spring Demolition Derby at the Edmonson County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 29, 2023. The hashtag #BudStrong has been seen thousands of time on social media and there are few people in the area that are not aware of Bud's accident.

One of the best examples of #BudStrong that I have seen is the unwavering love and support of Bud's wife, Doniel, who has stayed by his side since the accident happened. While the only help she's requested has been in the form of prayers, her devotion to her husband has been a great example on how one can carry the load of tragedy in a time of great need. She agreed to share her story with the Edmonson Voice for no other purpose than to ask for continued prayers and give thanks to God Almighty for the progress that has been made up until now.

Doniel said that Bud was injured that night when he was lining up cars for one of the heats in the derby, just as Bud has done countless times. One of the cars entered the ring and did not see Bud and hit him. The car ran over Bud and dragged him nearly 20 feet. Staff members and crowd volunteers frantically came in to remove the car from Bud, lifting it off him to try to help.

He was airlifted by Air Methods in Glasgow to UofL trauma center listed in critical but stable condition.

"We’ve been told he had 30 multiple injuries ranging from critical to minor," Doniel said. "He has a small skull crack, fractured neck (C1/C2), broken sternum, multiple rib fractures on each side and small hole in each lung. Several thoracic and lumbar fractures. Several lacerations over his body with a major on on his right thigh, that required to be closed during surgery. His major injury was his unstable pelvis break. It had broken in three places and caused some internal bleeding."

As of this writing, he has already undergone multiple major surgeries. One to stop bleeds, two on his pelvis to help stabilize the serious breaks, and a 4.5hr surgery on Friday where two plates and five screws were placed on his right side.

"Surgeons are confident that the right side will heal fine," Doniel said. "On the left side they were able to put two larger screws about 180cm each and they will watch this side about three months and hope no more surgeries are needed. He will be non-weight bearing for at least 6 weeks."

Doniel said that after his pelvis heals somewhat, extensive therapy will be needed.

"He has a very long road to recovery, but we will see it through."

Relief efforts of all sorts are popping up in and outside of Edmonson County. Donated items for raffles, contests, donation baskets, event proceeds, food items, and more are all examples of how a small community bands together to help their own.

A car show benefit event has been organized by Bud's friends, called the Bud Strong, Show and Shine that is scheduled for August 19th at the Edmonson County Fairgrounds. The event will feature a silent auction, food, vendors, live music, car show, and a demolition derby car show. All proceeds from the event will go directly to Bud and his family.

There is a Facebook event page that has been setup for more information that you can find by clicking here.

Bud Woodcock has been a derby driver for basically his entire adult life and has organized countless derbies in the area for years. The highlight of the Edmonson County Fair year after year is the demolition derby, organized by Bud Woodcock and his BW Productions. Doniel is always there, helping him stay organized and taking care of all the paperwork. Today, she is by his side, still doing everything she can to help, but she could use a little more help, and she says that is through prayer.

"I didn’t expect all that has been done for our family, I just requested and prayers and lots of them, because I knew we needed and still need them," she said. "We know God answers prayer, and without Him we wouldn’t be where we are right now. I didn’t expect all that’s been done. I appreciate from the bottom of my heart every act of kindness sent our way. I’m so proud to be from a small county where communities come together when one is in need. I would never be able to repay everyone, but I’ll sure do my best when we are off this very long, long road we have in front of us.”