To say Jacob Pratt faces a lengthy road to recovery is an understatement.
The New York National Guard member, a Rensselaer County native from the city of Rensselaer, is still in intensive condition after being the only survivor of a helicopter crash on the US-Mexico border that killed three people.
According to the Joint Task Force North, Pratt was aboard a UH-72 Lakota helicopter that crashed near Rio Grande City, Texas, on Friday, March 8.
The crash killed Casey Frankoski, a Rensselaer National Guard member, and John Grassia, a Niskayuna State Police trooper. The crash also claimed the life of a US Border Patrol agent.
Investigators have not revealed what caused the aircraft to crash.
Meanwhile, Pratt has undergone many operations in Texas after suffering catastrophic injuries, including fractures in his back, ribs, leg, and pelvis, according to family friends who have set up a GoFundMe account to help with the increasing medical bills that the military does not cover.
“With a mixture of heavy hearts and hopeful spirits, we reach out to you in support of National Guardsman Aircraft Crew Chief Jacob Pratt, a cherished, kind, courageous young man currently in the fight for his life,” said the event’s organizers.
In the weeks following the tragedy, Pratt’s relatives have provided regular updates on his condition. On March 22, they revealed that he was no longer wearing an oxygen mask and could breathe on his own, but his pain levels remained “fierce.” They then transported him to a rehabilitation facility.
From left to right: Jacob Pratt, Casey Frankoski, and John Grassia.
A 12-hour procedure that required Pratt to return to the ICU hindered his recovery.
“While the family fully understands the need for the surgery to continue his healing and recovery, it is extremely difficult to see him back in the ICU with the monitors, IV’s, tubes, and wires,” according to the GoFundMe page.
“While essential, it feels like a setback. Jacob was in a lot of discomfort before the operation, and while it was a success, his pain level has nearly doubled.
Pratt’s family reported on Monday, April 8, that he had experienced further complications following the onset of a fever, suspected to be pneumonia. As a result, doctors needed to place a chest tube.
“This will unfortunately prolong Jacob’s stay in the hospital and delay his healing as his body fights yet another challenge,” the event’s organizers stated. “We continue to ask for prayers for Jacob and his family as he continues his recovery and healing, both physical and emotional.”
So far, fans have contributed approximately $125,000 to the campaign. Those who want to give can do so here.
