Behind the Accident

My name is Eric Eckenberger and when I was 20 years old my life was completely rocked. February first of 2008 I was hanging out with a few friends. One of my friends was looking at a gun and when I looked away I heard the gun go off. When I turned my head I had seen my friend was hit in the head with the bullet. He ended up passing away on February 6, 2008. After that day I wasn’t the same. Drinking became my go to escape and as a result I developed a major issue.

Fast forward to June 23, 2008 and it’s a good friend’s 21st birthday. The drinking by this time had got out of control and mentally I was no longer myself. The party was ruined by my inability to maintain composure and I ended up leaving. I walked out front of the house party and waited for my ride. The house was located next to railroad tracks. A few minutes after waiting I heard a train coming and I decided to get an adrenaline rush by jumping onto the train. When I jumped my hands caught the ladder but my legs were sucked under. The results were a partially amputated left foot and below knee amputation of right leg.

I am now 33 years old and life isn’t as bad as I thought it’d be. I still ride motorcycles, snowboard, wakeboard, run, and even had two boxing matches since the accident.
Stay Strong, Always.