A 16-foot cactus overwhelms a Yuma man who becomes a "hedgehog"

A 16-foot cactus overwhelms a Yuma man who becomes a "hedgehog" Mason, a water company technician in Yuma, was crushed by a large cactus several meters high while working...

Mason, a Yuma water company technician, was knocked to the ground by a large cactus several meters high while working. He was stabbed in many places on his body and was in critical condition. Fortunately, he has gradually recovered after surgical treatment.

On June 19, 40-year-old Mason and other workers went to a certain location to repair a leaking pipeline. Unexpectedly, a nearby 16-foot-tall Saguaro Cactus fell and crushed him to the ground, causing multiple injuries to his body. Mason was subsequently sent to Yuma Regional Medical Center and underwent surgery on the 21st. Mason's mother-in-law, Asiri, said the fallen cactus injured Mason's back, legs and arms. He also had internal injuries and a fever. As of the evening of the 21st, doctors had pulled out 146 thorns from his body, and some thorns were still left on his body.

The day after the operation (22nd), Mason's wife said that the operation went smoothly and the spinal surgeon believed that he had not damaged his nerves and should make a full recovery. She also thanked her relatives, friends and colleagues for their assistance and for their prayers for Mason.

The Mason family moved to Yuma from Arkansas a few months ago, and Mrs. Mason currently works at YRMC. The city of Yuma said the cause of Mason's injuries when the cactus fell remains under investigation. City employees remain in contact with the Mason family to express concern and provide necessary assistance. Saguaro saguaro is the largest cactus in the United States, weighing between 3,200 and 4,800 pounds. Their roots are only 4 to 6 inches deep and are anchored primarily by a single, larger taproot.