Memphis News Anchor Suffers Broken Neck in Car Accident
Joe Birch, popular Memphis news anchor for Action News 5, suffered a broken neck in a midtown traffic accident on Tuesday, July 15, 2012.
According to recent reports, Birch was on his way to a business on Union Avenue to mail a thank you gift when the accident occurred. The two-car accident allegedly took place when Birch pulled out in front of another vehicle driven by an unnamed young woman.
Robin Birch, Joe’s wife, said that, although his neck was broken, that he will not need surgery. Joe said in an interview following the accident, “I feel really blessed that I didn’t have a more severe injury. I could have really been seriously hurt. Thank goodness, even though this looks bad, it’s not a critical injury. It is a neck injury, it will cause me to be on the sidelines for a little while.”
Birch’s doctors said that he sustained no other injuries.
Birch expressed concern for the other driver saying, “My heart goes out to the other young lady who was involved in this accident with me. It was my decision that caused the accident, so I am very concerned about the young woman.” This other driver was reportedly treated and released from the hospital.
Community support has poured in for the injured news anchor through phone calls, emails and Facebook messages. Mayor AC Wharton said, “He’s like the river, I mean, he’s like Beale Street. I mean, what is Memphis without Joe Birch? So Memphis is Joe Birch, Joe Birch is Memphis.”
Birch is expected to make a full recovery.
For over 20 years, Thomas has dedicated his career to representing victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Thomas comes from a family of trial lawyers. His passion is being in the courtroom, where he has secured record-breaking verdicts for his clients.
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