New York State Trooper Salvatore Mattina, a dedicated 10-year veteran of the force, has returned home after a harrowing recovery from a serious motorcycle accident that occurred on September 13th in Niagara County. While riding his state police motorcycle, Mattina was struck by a car that failed to yield resulting in severe injuries that required multiple surgeries and nearly a month of hospitalization.
Despite still being unable to support his own weight on one leg, Mattina graduated from rehabilitation on Wednesday and is now continuing his recovery at home.
“He just plowed through it all, like a trooper,” remarked one of his doctors, highlighting Mattina’s determination throughout his ordeal. Mattina’s injuries include a brain injury, organ damage, fractures, internal bleeding, broken bones in his face, arm, pelvis, right leg and sternum.
He underwent at least three surgeries within the first ten days of his hospitalization. It took over a week for medical staff to stabilize Mattina before he could be transferred to the rehabilitation unit. Doctors have indicated that a complete recovery will take months, although this does not take into account the emotional and mental challenges that accompany such significant injuries.
As Mattina exited the hospital on Wednesday morning, he was greeted with tears, smiles, and laughter from ECMC staff, fellow state troopers, family, and friends who lined the halls to celebrate his return. His daughter proudly wore her own state trooper uniform on his lap.
NYS Trooper Seriously Injured in Niagara County Crash Returns Home After Surgeries