A Wichita man is facing a long recovery after a freak accident nearly kills him in his car. Henry Harvey and his wife were driving just as they’d done a thousand times. All of the sudden there was a crash. A softball-sized rock flew through Henry Harvey’s windshield.

87-year-old Harvey and his wife Charline were on their way to Parsons, KS two weeks ago. About nine miles from town, a large truck carrying rocks passed them. Somehow, several rocks came lose and fell, bouncing off the ground and into the car. “We heard a big crash, and it came right through the windshield…the blood looked like it was coming out of his eyes, his nose, his mouth, and the top of his head.” Said Henry’s wife.

Henry’s wife was uninjured, but he was critically hurt. Harvey swerved off the road into a ditch, but he was only there for a moment. Perhaps in shock, and not fully aware of his injuries, he was back on the road within seconds. “He drove clear to Parsons, bleeding terribly, and I had 911 on the phone all the way.” Said Henry’s wife.

When they finally reached Parsons, Harvey pulled into a parking lot where paramedics met the couple. Harvey was airlifted to Wesley Medical Center, while his wife waited in Parsons for their son.

A decorated war veteran, Harvey suffered serious brain injuries. Authorities are investigating, but say this looks like a terrible accident, and a reminder that anything can happen on the road.

Harvey’s family says he is responsive, but still had months of hospital recovery and rehab ahead of him. Even then, there’s no guarantee he’ll be the same.