Full recovery expected for toddler in Northumberland farm accident

PHOTOGRAPHER: Stephen Williams

Town Supervisor Willard Peck is calling his family “very lucky” after his youngest son survived a farm accident Sunday night.

One-year-old Henry Peck suffered fractures to the skull and two neck vertebrae when he was hit by a small Kubota farm vehicle being operated by his older brother, but he was released from Albany Medical Center on Tuesday night and is expected to make a full recovery.

The accident took place around 8 p.m. Sunday at the Peck family farm, Welcome Stock Farm, on West River Road. Just three weeks ago, the farm hosted thousands of people for the annual Sundae on the Farm agricultural promotion.

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office said a 6-year-old — the injured boy’s oldest brother, Hansen — was backing an ATV-type vehicle out of a garage and struck his brother, who had walked behind the vehicle.

Henry was flown by helicopter to Albany Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

“We are very fortunate, very lucky,” said Willard Peck, who went on to praise the treatment the toddler received at Albany Medical Center. He also thanked the General Schuyler Emergency Squad, which provided initial medical treatment at the scene.

“We’re very fortunate, very thankful that everything can heal,” he said.

Peck said he was flying home from a Holstein convention in Iowa when the accident occurred, and he went directly to Albany Medical Center’s pediatric intensive care unit after landing in Albany.

Peck is married to the former Amy Peterson, a former Olympic speed skater. They have four children, all boys, with Henry the youngest.