Dusty Crum, a renowned python hunter and one of the stars of Serpent Invasion, suffered a serious leg injury in a car accident in November 2021. The incident almost cost him his right leg and left him with severe scars and pain.
This article will explain what happened to Dusty’s leg, how he recovered from the injury, and what challenges he faced along the way.
Background on Serpent Invasion and Dusty’s Role
Serpent Invasion is a reality TV show that follows a team of hunters who are trying to stop the invasion of Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades. These pythons are an invasive species that have been decimating the native wildlife and disrupting the ecosystem. The show is a spin-off of Swamp People, another popular show that features alligator hunters in Louisiana.
Dusty Crum is one of the most experienced and skilled python hunters in the team. He has been hunting pythons for years and has earned the nickname “Python Wildman” for his fearless and adventurous approach. He is also known for his pet dog Riley, who accompanies him on his hunts. Dusty joined Serpent Invasion in its third season, along with other Swamp People stars such as Troy Landry, Bruce Mitchell, and Zak Catchem.
The Incident and Dusty’s Leg Injury
In November 2021, Dusty was involved in a horrific car accident that nearly took his life and his right leg. According to TMZ, Dusty was riding a shotgun in a truck on a Florida highway when a tire blew on the trailer behind them. The driver lost control of the vehicle and it started to fishtail and flip over. As the truck rolled, the window shattered and Dusty’s leg went out of the window and got crushed by the weight of the truck. He managed to pull his leg back inside before the truck stopped.
Dusty suffered extensive damage to his lower right leg and knee. He used his shirt to stop the bleeding and stayed conscious until the paramedics arrived. He was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers, where he underwent five surgeries to save his leg. He spent almost a month in the hospital and had to go through a long and painful rehabilitation process.
Dusty’s Road to Recovery
Dusty’s recovery from his leg injury was not easy. He had to endure physical therapy, medication, and emotional stress. He also faced financial difficulties, as he did not have insurance and had to pay for his medical bills out of pocket. A friend of his, Joe Waves, created a GoFundMe page to help him with his expenses. The page raised over $30,000 from fans and supporters.
Dusty also received a lot of love and encouragement from his family, friends, and fellow hunters. He thanked them on his Facebook page for their prayers and messages. He also expressed his gratitude to God for healing him and sparing his life. He wrote: “I’ve come a long way, thank you Jesus for healing!”
Despite his injury, Dusty did not give up on his passion for hunting pythons. He returned to Serpent Invasion in its fourth season, which premiered in January 2023. He showed off his scars proudly and proved that he was still capable of catching snakes. He also joined forces with Troy Landry, who taught him some tips and tricks on hunting alligators.
Dusty Crum is an inspiration to many people who have faced adversity and overcome it. His story shows that nothing can stop him from doing what he loves and protecting the Everglades from the python menace.
