Stephen Bradford was riding his Kawasaki motorcycle north on Harrison Avenue in Butte when his life changed forever on July 3, around 7:40 p.m. His bike collided with a Ford Ranger pickup crossing Harrison from west to east.
After receiving emergency treatment at Intermountain Health St. James Hospital, Bradford was airlifted to Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings.
The driver of the pickup, Patrick Burke, 58, of Butte, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, second offense. He was unharmed in the accident. According to police, speed and alcohol were factors in the collision, which is still under investigation.
Bradford, 28, spoke by phone from his hospital bed in Billings and expressed his pain during the conversation.
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The collision caused severe fractures in Bradford’s left leg, resulting in the loss of six inches of femur and a shattered knee.
Bradford considered amputation as an option due to the high possibility of failed repair surgeries and prolonged pain. However, he decided to undergo a repair option that will likely require two more surgeries.
For the past three years, Bradford has worked as a local delivery driver for a FedEx Ground contractor in Deer Lodge.
Bradford will be staying with family in Harrison as his apartment in Butte has stairs. When asked what helped him cope during the past week, he mentioned his daughter, who he was unable to see due to the accident.
Bradford’s daughter resides in Colorado with her mother. A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist Bradford with expenses and lost time at work. To donate, visit Fundraiser for Stephen Bradford by Griffin Brasher : Help for Stephen Bradford (gofundme.com)
