A driver in Saint Louis, Missouri, suffered a devastating injury after being thrown from his car during a crash. Paul Berry, 29, had his genitals crushed when the car landed on his lap, resulting in the removal of his penis and one testicle during surgery. The accident, which occurred in May 2014, has left Paul unable to have children. Now fully recovered, Paul is speaking out about the dangers of drink-driving and the profound impact it has had on his life.
Prior to the accident, Paul had been drinking with a friend before embarking on his daily trip to see his girlfriend in Columbia, Illinois. Normally accustomed to consuming hard liquor before driving, this time turned out to be drastically different. It is believed that Paul fell asleep or slipped in the rain, causing him to lose control of the vehicle as he took a motorway exit after crossing a bridge at around 2 am.
The car flipped when Paul attempted to correct the steering wheel, and he was thrown out of the back window. Tragically, the car continued rolling, eventually landing on top of him. A truck driver who discovered Paul called for assistance, and with the help of others, they managed to lift the car off him. Paul was then airlifted to St Louis University Hospital where he was put into an induced coma.
In addition to the genital injury, Paul suffered a broken neck, hips, two ribs, jaw, and nose, as well as a traumatic brain injury. Surgeons attempted to reconstruct his genital area during the five-week coma, but complications arose, leading to leukocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition where excessive white blood cells enter the injured area. As a result, an emergency amputation was performed, leaving Paul with a stump that still retains sensation.
Upon waking up and realizing the extent of his injuries, as well as the fact that he would never be able to have children, Paul felt that his life was over. However, he found solace and purpose in his 10-year-old labrador-boxer mix named Resse. Resse has played a crucial role in Paul’s recovery, providing him with a reason to wake up each day and a sense of companionship.
Although Paul has physically recovered, it took time for him to regain his confidence and resume a normal social life. Previously hesitant to go out or pursue romantic relationships due to his insecurities, he now embraces his newfound self-acceptance. Paul has learned that masculinity goes beyond physical attributes and believes that his worth is not defined solely by his manhood.
Despite the advancement of medical procedures such as penis transplants, Paul does not see himself pursuing this option due to financial constraints. He states that he is not holding his breath but remains open to the possibility. After enduring six weeks of physical, speech, and occupational therapy, Paul miraculously maintained his ability to walk. His determination and resilience have pushed him to defy the expectations of his doctors and reclaim his independence.
Now residing in Sestus, Missouri, Paul is happily single and no longer ashamed of his physical appearance. He realizes that his manhood does not define him and cherishes the things that give his life meaning. Paul hopes that by sharing his story, he can raise awareness about the devastating consequences of drunk driving and inspire others to avoid making the same mistakes.
The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the irreversible consequences that can arise from dangerous behaviors behind the wheel. As Paul continues his journey of recovery, he hopes that his story will resonate with others and contribute to a safer road environment for everyone.
