A local farmer is facing a long road to recovery after a tragic accident on the McClain family farm in West Liberty.
Ted McClain, who has been farming for over 40 years, was injured on Sunday, October 27th when he fell from a combine while working at the family’s barn.
The 60-year-old farmer, who has spent his life working the land his family has owned for more than a century, was rushed to OSU Medical Center after sustaining serious injuries.
Ted’s son, Teddy, who was working alongside his father at the time, witnessed the fall and immediately called 911.
The family’s community rallied to their side, with neighbors stepping in to help harvest the McClain crops despite the difficult circumstances.
“We’re so grateful Teddy was there. It’s hard to think about what could have happened if he hadn’t been there,” said Ted’s wife. “Our neighbors and friends didn’t hesitate. Within hours, they had everything harvested and hauled to the elevator. They did it all for free. We’re blessed to live in such a caring community.”
The Accident and Ted’s Condition
Ted McClain fell from the top platform of the combine, plummeting about 12 feet. He landed on his shoulders, rolled onto his neck, and landed on his right side. He was conscious throughout the ordeal, and his son Teddy stayed by his side, keeping him calm until emergency responders arrived.
The EMTs quickly called for a helicopter to transport Ted to OSU Medical Center, where he was placed in the ICU. His injuries include broken scapulas, seven broken ribs, a collapsed lung, multiple spinal fractures, and a crushed L1 vertebra. He underwent a five-level emergency spine fusion and was placed on a ventilator. Additionally, Ted is receiving dialysis due to kidney failure and has sustained bleeding in his brain.
His family remains hopeful, despite the severity of his injuries.
A Family and Farm Built on Hard Work and Community
The McClain family has been farming in West Liberty for over 100 years, having moved from Pennsylvania around 1909. Ted’s father, Richard McClain, passed away last December, and this is the first year Ted has been farming without him. The McClains are known in the community for their strong work ethic and devotion to both their farm and their family.
In addition to managing the farm, Ted has also been battling stage 4 cancer since 2022, a challenge that has taken a toll on his health but has not diminished his commitment to the land. Ted’s 86-year-old mother, Barbara, also relies on him for support.
Despite these personal challenges, the McClains have always been there for others, and now their neighbors have come to their aid.
Outpouring of Support from the Community
Within hours of Ted’s accident, a group of local farmers, including Wes Krabill, Russell Krabill, Clint Barger, Pete McGuire, John Detwiler, Kevin Kaufman, Steve Neer, and Kelly Taylor, stopped their own harvests to help with the McClain farm. They harvested and hauled crops to the elevator in just two days. Many of the farmers have also donated to a GoFundMe campaign organized by Ted’s son, Bo, to help with medical expenses and the farm’s ongoing needs.
This isn’t the first time the McClain family has experienced the kindness of their neighbors. In 2016, Teddy McClain, now 21 and a student at Clark State, was hospitalized in the ICU with a rare disease, and the community came together to support the family during that crisis as well.
Tracy Figley, President of Strong Tower Christian Media (WEEC radio), was one of the leaders of that effort and has stayed close with the McClain family throughout their challenges.
Looking Ahead
Ted’s recovery will be long and difficult, with many surgeries and therapies ahead. His wife expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received but also shared her concern for the toll the accident has taken on their family.
Ted is out of the ICU and breathing on his own now, which is a huge step forward,
He’s also been able to come off dialysis, which is another positive sign.
After undergoing a 5-level spine fusion, he’s still healing from his fractures, but once that’s better, he’ll be moved to an in-house rehab facility to begin the next step of his recovery: learning to walk again.
As Ted fights to recover, his family and community are showing that they’ll be there every step of the way, just as they always have been.
Bo, Ted’s other son, is not your average teenager.
Despite his age, he’s taken on so many responsibilities—especially when it comes to the farm.
He has been handling much of the farm work for quite some time now, as his dad’s battle with cancer has meant he’s had to step up and take on more of the responsibilities.
Contribute to the family’s GoFundMe HERE.
