Australian football great Tony Modra is on a long road to recovery after surviving a terrifying truck accident that left him critically injured in Back Valley.
The incident occurred last Thursday night when a falling tree branch smashed through the windshield of the truck Modra was driving near his farm, located about 90km south of Adelaide. The freak accident caused severe facial injuries, requiring urgent medical attention and multiple surgeries.
The 57-year-old was airlifted to Flinders Medical Centre, where he underwent two operations, including procedures on his jaw, cheekbone, and eye socket. After several days in critical condition, Modra has now been moved out of intensive care, marking a significant step forward in his recovery.
In a statement released on Monday, Modra’s family shared that while his progress has been encouraging, they are still coming to terms with the full extent of his injuries. They described the period as “very challenging” and acknowledged that there is still a long journey ahead.
The family expressed deep gratitude to first responders and medical staff who played a crucial role in saving his life. They also highlighted the actions of his children—his son Luke, whose quick thinking helped emergency services respond swiftly, and his daughter Hayley, who was by his side at the hospital.
Former teammate and close friend Mark Ricciuto provided further insight into Modra’s condition, revealing that remarkably, he avoided any serious brain injury. Despite the severity of the crash, Modra reportedly has no concussion and remembers the incident clearly—something Ricciuto described as both incredible and emotionally challenging.
“He’s had a positive weekend,” Ricciuto shared, noting that while more surgeries may be required, Modra’s survival and current condition are nothing short of extraordinary.
The former Adelaide Crows and Fremantle Dockers star has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from fans, the AFL community, and the wider public. According to his family, he was deeply moved upon hearing of the tributes and well-wishes shared during a recent Crows home game.
While the road ahead remains uncertain, Modra’s resilience and the strong support network around him offer hope as he begins the next phase of his recovery.
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