Harlan County basketball player has finger amputated after fireworks accident

A Harlan County high school student and basketball player injured his hand in a Fourth of July fireworks accident Thursday, according to Facebook posts from the basketball player’s sister.

Reggie Cottrell, a starter of the Harlan County boy’s basketball team that finished runner-up in last season’s state tournament, was attempting to light a firework when it suddenly blew up, according to Cottrell’s sister, Lexie Cottrell, who has been providing updates on her Facebook page. Lexie Cottell said her brother wasn’t messing around when the accident happened and the wick didn’t even light before the firework exploded.

“It happens everyday in many places and it just so happen to happen to him so just please have an adult around when lighting fireworks,” Lexie Cottrell said in a Facebook post.

Reggie Cottrell was flown to a hospital in Lexington and underwent surgery. Lexie Cottrell said her brother’s pointer finger was amputated while his middle and index fingers were partially amputated.

Reggie Cottrell, who will be a junior this coming year, also suffered a broken thumb, according to his sister. University of Kentucky spokesperson Jay Blanton said Reggie Cottrell was in good condition Friday at UK Healthcare.

Lexie Cottrell said her brother is expected to recover and will attempt to play basketball again.

“I just wanna say no matter what happens we know our boy gonna be out there on that court,” Lexie Cottrell said in a Facebook post. “It may be hard and it may be a struggle but Reggie Cottrell is a fighter! He will not give up.”