Marine injured in bus crash paralyzed
The Associated Press
DOTHAN, Ala. — A Marine reservist injured in a bus wreck this month at Fort Rucker may never walk again. A spokesman for the Bessemer-based Anti-Terrorism Battalion said Lance Cpl. William Lafitte of Laurel, Miss., underwent surgery Tuesday at a Dothan hospital to repair a fractured vertebrae.
Master Sgt. David Holladay said doctors told Lafitte’s family that he likely suffered permanent paralysis. But Holladay said the 24-year-old Marine is able to feel hot and cold sensations.
Lafitte was among 18 Marines injured in the March 9 accident. The crash killed 19-year-old Lance Cpl. David Miles of Madison.
Police have reportedly said speed was a factor in a bus accident March 9 at Fort Rucker, Ala. The bus, loaded with members of a Marine Reserve anti-terrorism group, overturned, killing one Marine and injuring 23 people.