NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — A state trooper seriously injured in a motorcycle crash last week is out of surgery and "in good spirits" according to the latest update provided by New York State Police on Tuesday.
Sergeant Station Commander Salvatore "Sam" Mattina underwent multiple "life-threatening" surgeries over the weekend and on Monday according to Public Information Officer Trooper James O'Callaghan.
On Tuesday, Sgt. Mattina met with family for the first time after those surgeries but remains in recovery at ECMC.
Additional surgeries may be needed O'Callaghan explained.
"Are we happy absolutely but we're not out of the woods yet he's got a long road of surgeries, he's got a long road of recovery," said O'Callaghan.
According to state police investigators Sgt. Mattina t-boned a car that had failed to yield on State Route 93 in Youngstown on Friday, September 13. Mattina was surveying the road for an upcoming motorcycle ride when the crash happened and was riding a state police motorcycle himself.
Trooper O'Callaghan said the incident was "truly just an accidental collision" but noted that the driver was ticketed for failing to yield the right of way after exiting the Niagara Scenic Parkway. Impairment was not a factor in the crash.
2 On Your Side learned Tuesday that Mattina's father was riding alongside his son, helping to survey the route as an organizer for the upcoming event.
He was the first person to call 911 and render aid after the 10-year state police veteran collided with the car suffering internal injuries and multiple broken bones.
"He's in good spirits he's got that contagious smile that he's always had as a Trooper that he brings with him everywhere. That's why his family is with him spirits are high," Trooper O'Callaghan said.
A GoFundMe set up for the Trooper has raised $8,050 and counting as of Tuesday evening.