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| One year ago Dr. Millett repaired Barbi’s ACL, MCL, and meniscus along with Larry’s proximal humerus fracture after his buffalo attack. Today, Larry and Barbi are fishing together and spending time with her family in Vail. |
It has been over a year since the 2,000-pound Cape buffalo attacked and nearly killed Larry Trotter II. It has taken multiple miracles to allow Trotter to hug each of his children and grandchildren today. Last summer, in search of an adventure, Trotter decided to go on a 25-day archery hunting African safari. At the last second, Trotter was persuaded by his professional hunting guides to include Cape buffalo to his list of game. Little did he know, that within 25 minutes of his first excursion he would be face-to-face with an angry Cape buffalo.
Standing in the open terrain, the Cape buffalo spotted Trotter and began to charge. Trotter, a former college athlete and world record holder in rowing – standing at 6-foot-4 inches, 220 pounds – was no match against the 2,000-pound rouge animal. At that moment, he heard an angel’s voice speak to him. The voice told him, “Get rid of your bow and arrow, turn around and run as fast as you can.” Trotter could not outrun the animal, but the momentum he gained and padding he had in his backpack ameliorated the initial impact from the buffalo.
A water buffalo hunts its prey by tearing it into pieces with its horns and then stomping on it to insure death. The initial blow launched Trotter 15 feet into the air. The second charge caught him from behind – hooking his left arm and flipping him into the air – breaking multiple bones and convincing Trotter he was dead.
Returning from his out-of-body experience, Trotter heard a second angel’s voice as the buffalo charged him a third time. The voice told him to put his boots on the beast’s horns and push away. That second command saved Trotter’s life.
The four professional hunters shot the buffalo nine times before the animal collapsed just inches in front of Trotter – his near death experience was finally over. One of the hunters told Trotter that during the last attack it looked as if angels were surrounding him, and pushing the animal away for him.
Trotter, a Vail, Colorado native, was rushed to Dr. Millett at the Steadman Clinic were he was treated for a proximal humerus fracture. Today, Trotter focuses on faith and family and knows how fortunate he is to survive an attack by one of the world’s deadliest animals. “Without the excellent surgical reconstruction and care provided by The Steadman Clinic, Vail Health and Howard Head Physical Therapy, I would not be rowing, water skiing and snow skiing again,” Trotter said.
To read more on Larry Trotter’s story please view The Vaily Daily News
