Highlighting Amish Buggy Incidents: A Tragedy in North Carolina
While I wish I could shed light on every Amish buggy accident, the reality is that such incidents occur far too frequently, making comprehensive coverage challenging. Nonetheless, I want to bring attention to this particular event, not only because it took place in my home state of North Carolina, but also due to the profound community response it elicited. Though Amish populations in NC are relatively small, incidents like this resonate deeply within their close-knit communities.
The accident occurred two weeks ago in the Ellenboro Amish community, which belongs to the Swartzentruber Amish group—the second-largest Amish settlement in the state, distinct from the larger New Order Amish community at Union Grove. The tragedy unfolded when a passing truck unexpectedly startled the two horses pulling a family’s buggy, leading to a devastating crash. Here’s a detailed account from the Shelby Star:
“On Wednesday, August 7, the Yoder family was traveling along Washburn Switch Road toward Polkville when a large truck overtook them. The sudden passage caused the horses to become spooked, resulting in them jumping the guardrail. The truck did not stop afterward, but it was not legally required to do so, as no physical contact was made,” explained Sgt. Brian Theis of the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
This detail initially troubled me, as it seemed the truck driver could have stopped to assist or at least ensure the safety of those involved. However, he might not have even realized the incident had occurred. The crash involved five family members, including a baby, with four sustaining injuries.
Henry Yoder, the patriarch, sustained the most severe injuries—losing an ear, two teeth, and suffering facial fractures. According to WSOC-TV 9, his arm was also injured in the chaos, and he was hospitalized for two and a half days. “I thought it was going to kill me,” Yoder recounted. His injuries included a broken nose, shattered cheekbones, and fractured jawbones.
His wife, Sarah, was also hurt during the accident; she now relies on a wheelchair to move around. Their 9-month-old grandson was present in the buggy but fortunately escaped injury. The incident was undoubtedly a harrowing experience for the entire family, yet they are fortunate to be alive.
The Yoder family’s financial burden is significant, as they lack the resources to cover their mounting medical expenses. In response, a family friend named Karen Crawford stepped forward to create a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser has already surpassed half of its $15,000 goal, demonstrating community support and concern.
In Crawford’s own words from the fundraiser page, she describes the injuries sustained: “Henry Yoder, the head of household, is a 45-year-old man who spent two days in intensive care with facial and head trauma. His daughter Susan, along with her husband Herman Hershberger—both in their early 20s and parents to the 9-month-old—suffered serious road rash. Herman’s left arm bears third-degree abrasions from shoulder to fingertips, requiring frequent dressing changes. Sarah, Henry’s wife, was holding the baby and sustained injuries to her knees and fingers. Fortunately, the baby was unharmed, cradled in her grandmother’s arms. The only remaining family member able to handle financial responsibilities is a 16-year-old young man.”
Their humility shines through these hardships: “They couldn’t believe that so many people cared about them,” Crawford shared. “They are truly humble people.” Yoder expressed his feelings, saying, “I felt guilty accepting help. I’ve never been comfortable asking for anything.”
Addressing Medical Expenses and Community Support
Regarding the challenge of paying off extensive medical bills, it’s worth considering what their church community might have done to assist. In more progressive Amish groups, families often contribute regularly to community-based health plans, which serve as a form of mutual aid instead of traditional insurance. However, in the Swartzentruber Amish community—known for their conservative practices—such formal arrangements are less common, and financial support tends to be more informal and localized.
It’s likely that this community would typically rally around a family facing such hardships, but the scale of expenses might exceed what they can comfortably provide. Nonetheless, the community’s willingness to accept external help, as demonstrated by the GoFundMe campaign, offers a vital lifeline during this difficult time.
My hope is that the Yoder family receives enough support to cover their medical costs, and I commend Karen Crawford for her compassionate effort in organizing this aid. It’s a testament to the strength of community bonds—both Amish and non-Amish—coming together in moments of crisis.