Sports Editor

David Taylor, a former CHHS pitcher and current baseball player with George Wallace Junior College, was injured in a car wreck on Saturday night in Winfield.

Taylor, the son of Dale and Peggy Taylor of Troy, is currently in Intensive Care Unit at the UAB Hospital in Birmingham. The driver, Thomas Brandon Humbar, 18, and another passenger Jennifer Warren, 17, were killed when Humbar’s 1997 Toyota pickup ran off the road and overturned.

David is scheduled to have surgery on Wednesday to repair a broken knee cap and clavicle and is also wearing a HALO device as a precautionary measure to prevent damage to vertebrae in his back.

He also suffered extensive damage to his right arm and may need up to three surgeries to repair bone, tendons and ligaments.

"His arm took the brunt of the truck’s weight when it rolled over," said Dale, David’s father.

Dale said his son’s condition is improving.

"His mouth’s wired shut, but he can move his lips a little, so we know he’s trying to tell us things," he said. "We’re just asking him yes and no questions so he can respond by shaking his head."

Dale said the outpouring of support shown by the people of Troy has been "tremendous."

"I’ve taken calls from everyone and people have come up here to see about David," he said. "But they’re only allowing immediate family to see him since he’s in ICU. We just want everyone to keep him in their prayers."

Dale said he hopes by the end of the week his son can be moved out of ICU and into a regular hospital room. He also expects David to be at home with his family in Troy at least until January, while he begins rehabilitation.

David, who was an ace closer on the mound for CHHS last season, had already secured a spot at either shortstop or third base on the George Wallace baseball team.

"We don’t know about baseball," said Dale. David’s right arm was his throwing arm.

"But right now we don’t care. David’s a strong kid. None of the injuries look like they’re where he can’t recover from them."

David was in Winfield with a friend of his who also plays on the George Wallace baseball team. His friend’s parents were celebrating a wedding anniversary.