ENTERPRISE, Ala. ( WDHN — A community in Coffee County is coming together for a Wiregrass athlete, as another family gets ready to lay their loved one to rest following a fatal accident in March.
The accident took place on March 27, 2025, and included Enterprise State baseball standout Gaines Harrell as well as respected Army veteran Rey Maldonado.
I had barely arrived home when our coaches messaged us that Gaines had been involved in a serious accident," said Hunter Williams, an ESCC teammate of Gaines Harrell. "I was extremely surprised and deeply concerned.
Authorities state that the car driven by Maldonado veered across the lane divider and collided with Harrell's truck.
Maldonado passed away at the location.
He will be deeply missed due to his delightful personality," stated Angela Lane, the coordinator at Enterprise Senior Center. "He was an excellent individual who never hesitated to lend a hand.
When Maldonado and his spouse became members of the Enterprise Senior Center five years back, Lane had the chance to meet them.
Lane mentions that they set aside time for attending events, assisting others, and ensuring that everyone at the center felt included.
He was fluent in both English and Spanish," Lane stated. "His presence helped bridge the communication gap between Spanish and English speakers, which was fantastic since our aim is for everyone to feel included.
Harrell sustained severe injuries from the accident and was rushed to a medical facility in Florida. Medical professionals indicate that Harrell endured two fractured femurs, two crushed ankles, and a broken knee.
Following multiple major operations earlier this week, doctors decided to place him in a medically induced coma.
He emerged from the coma over the weekend.
Early Sunday morning, he shared a Snapchat with us showing him lying in bed," Williams stated. "He seems to be improving.
Currently, Gaines is undergoing physical therapy at Encompass Health in Dothan, focusing on strengthening his core and upper body. The aim is for him to become capable of moving from a bed to a chair or into a vehicle since he won’t be able to bear weight on his legs for approximately three months.
For the Weevils, Harrell was the second-highest batting average player on the team and had been playing remarkably well prior to the accident. In a doubleheader against Coastal Alabama, he secured five hits along with one run batted in, earning him recognition as the ACCC Player of the Week.
Now he has embarked on a lengthy path to recovery, yet he will have the support of a community throughout his voyage.
"It's truly amazing to witness a community rallying together and providing such strong support," stated Shelby Dewberry, a classmate of Gaines.
Members of the community have established an initiative GoFundMe , planned a fried shrimp fundraising event, and nearly 600 bracelets were sold to assist Gaines.
Individuals can still buy a bracelet up until Sunday, with the shrimp fundraising event scheduled for April 19th at 11:00 AM.
It’s green and features Gaines' jersey number, along with a Bible verse from his caption," Dewberry explained. "That’s why we included it.
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