INJURED YOUTH DISCOVERED HOURS AFTER WRECK

(11/12/2008)
The truck in which a Big Springs youth was seriously injured was discovered about 7:20 a.m. Tuesday on Nighcut Hill, west of Grantsville.

Joshua Hardman, 18, is still under evaluation Tuesday night, according to Charleston Area Medical.

Hardman's truck left State Rt. 16, plunged over the hill and struck a tree several hours before he was discovered.

"It was a very cold night, temperatures in the lower 20s," said Sheriff Carl Ballengee, "He was likely in the wreck for a number of hours," before he was discovered by officer Bob Groves and another motorist.

Groves said "The truck had a heavy impact with a tree.

EMS and fire department personnel removed Hardman from the tangled wreckage, taking him to Minnie Hamilton Health System. He was then taken to Charleston by a HealthNet chopper.

See earlier story and photos.