Harlan County basketball player has to amputate finger after fireworks accident

A Harlan County high school student and basketball player injured his hand in a Fourth of July fireworks accident on Thursday, according to Facebook posts from the basketball player’s sister.

Reggie Cottrell, a starter on the Harlan County boys basketball team that finished second in the state tournament last year, was trying to light a firework when it suddenly exploded, according to Cottrell’s sister Lexie Cottrell, who posts updates on her Facebook page. Lexie Cottrell said her brother wasn’t fooling around when the accident happened and the wicks didn’t even light before the fireworks exploded.

“This happens every day in many places and it just so happens to have happened to him too, so please make sure an adult is nearby when setting off fireworks,” Lexie Cottrell said in a Facebook post.

Reggie Cottrell was flown to a hospital in Lexington and underwent surgery. Lexie Cottrell said her brother’s index finger was amputated, while his middle and index fingers were partially amputated.

Reggie Cottrell, who will be a junior next year, also suffered a broken thumb, according to his sister. University of Kentucky spokesman Jay Blanton said Reggie Cottrell was in good condition at UK Healthcare on Friday.

Reggie Cottrell released a statement after the accident, saying he was grateful for everyone’s love and prayers.

“I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for me and my family from Harlan County, the 13th Region and the entire state of Kentucky,” Cottrell said in a statement. “Please continue to pray for me as I recover. I look forward to returning home to Harlan County soon and am grateful for everyone’s love and support.”

Lexie Cottrell said her brother is expected to recover and will try to play basketball again.

“I just want to say that we know our boy will be on the field no matter what,” Lexie Cottrell said in a Facebook post. “It may be hard and arduous, but Reggie Cottrell is a fighter! He won’t give up.”