Ranch hand trampled by cow

By Joyce Blay
Staff Writer

JACKSON — A ranch hand trying to inoculate a cow that had just given birth to a calf was seriously injured when the newborn darted away and the mother ran after it, trampling the man in the process.

The accident happened on July 28 at Deerwood Ranch, Pfister Road. The ranch is one of several businesses owned by the Vogel family.

Harold Collins of Brick was admitted to CentraState Medical Center in Freehold Township following the accident. Collins sustained injuries that included a collapsed lung and several fractured ribs, according to Raymond Dickerson, a fellow ranch hand.

Dickerson said ranch hands tried to surround the cow and her calf immediately after the birth in order to give the cow her inoculation. He said the inoculation is administered after the birth since the cow is usually easier to handle at that time.

However, the task became dangerous when the calf suddenly darted away and the new mother chased after it, Dickerson said. In doing so, he said, the cow knocked Collins down and stepped on him before running off in pursuit of the newborn.

Emergency personnel transported Collins to CentraState Medical Center for treatment, Dickerson said.

On Monday, Collins was listed in fair condition and was being treated in the facility’s step-down unit, which used to be called intensive care.

Jim Goss, a spokesman for the hospital, confirmed that Collins was admitted on July 28 after receiving emergency treatment, but declined to release any more information.