Jim Abbott, a referee with more than three decades of high school football experience, was officiating a scrimmage at Withrow University High School in Cincinnati when a defensive back missed a tackle and landed on him, breaking his right leg above the knee.
Emergency responders transported him to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where doctors determined that loss of blood circulation required an above‑knee amputation of his right leg.
In interviews, Abbott has spoken of his resolve to drive again, return to farming and eventually resume officiating games, emphasizing that the collision‑filled nature of football demands resilience.
Community Response
Cincinnati Public Schools released a statement expressing heartfelt concern for Abbott and praising his decades of service to student‑athletes, pledging continued support for his recovery.
A GoFundMe campaign launched on his behalf has already raised nearly $30,000, helping to cover medical costs and providing financial relief for his family during this challenging time.