Plattsburgh cyclist airlifted and paralyzed

PLATTSBURGH | What started as a scenic midday bicycle ride recently ended in tragedy and the community is now rallying behind a Plattsburgh family as they face a long and difficult road to recovery. Matthew A. Burgin, 53, was cycling on Pellerin Road at about 1 p.m. June 8 when a matter of seconds changed his life forever. New York State Police said first responders found Burgin seriously injured and on the ground behind a parked UPS truck. Troopers said it is believed Burgin 'crashed into the back of the UPS truck that was parked on the side of the road, unoccupied, with its four-way blinkers on at the time of the accident.' Burgin, a well-known local family man, suffered a complete spinal cord injury in the crash and was airlifted to a nearby trauma center, where he underwent emergency spinal surgery. Loved ones said the accident left Burgin paralyzed and in the Intensive Care Unit at UVM Medical Center. According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, Burgin is now off a ventilator and breathing tubes and continues to recuperate before eventually being transferred to a Rehabilitation Center for further care. Residents across the region have rallied behind the family in recent days, offering prayers, financial assistance and positive thoughts as they embark on the life-changing road to recovery. The online GoFundMe raised nearly $20,000 in three days to help Burgin and his family with medical care, transportation and other needs in the weeks ahead. Anyone interested in donating to the effort can do so through the 'Support Matthew Burgin In His Recovery' GoFundMe page.

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Plattsburgh cyclist airlifted and paralyzed

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