Brian is an extremely talented freelance trumpet player, serving as Principal Trumpet of both the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra and the Sinfonia Gulf Coast (FL). Brian has performed with some of American’s finest orchestras (Cincinnati, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Seattle, etc) and chamber ensembles including Spectrum Brass, Canterbury Brass. He is an Artist-in-Residence at the Bay View Music Festival. 

On Sunday, March 13, 2022, while driving back from his performances in Destin, Florida, Brian was involved in a horrific multiple vehicle accident. While stopped in traffic on I-65, a semi-tractor trailer truck failed to stop, and plowed into six vehicles, causing multiple fatalities and injuries; Brian’s was the second to be hit. He was cut out of his car and airlifted from the site to the University of Alabama-Birmingham hospital (UAB) 110 miles away. Upon arrival, he underwent surgery to stop the internal bleeding in his abdomen. Brian's left arm was shattered, and was repaired with three metal braces and 18 screws. He suffered multiple fractures including: pelvis, clavicle, sternum, 4 ribs, and two vertebrae (one at the base of his neck and another in the middle of his back). He experienced left side paralysis and multiple brain bleeds. Doctors doubted he would walk again, but after three weeks, he regained some feeling the left side and began his long road to recovery. 

Early in his hospitalization, Brian was barely speaking, but one phrase he uttered quite clearly to his parents — "This is the worst thing ever." It was actually worse than anybody knew at the time. Unfortunately, the single-truck shipping company carried no insurance. The driver of the semi had personal automobile insurance which does not cover his commercial truck. Brian’s own insurance has been billed over $615,000 to date. What portion of the mounting bills, for which Brian will be personally responsible, is yet to be determined. Even Apple Care denied his lost iPhone 13 replacement claim, as it was not filed within their required timeframe.

On April 9th, Brian was flown back to Cincinnati on a medical jet, and was taken to Encompass Rehabilitation Center at Drake Hospital. By May 9th, Brian was able to walk up a few steps using handrails, and with a physical therapist at his side to hold his gate-belt. He then transferred to the Nursing Rehab section of Drake Hospital for more intense therapy, walking 500 to 600 feet each day.

Brian’s voice has returned after being on a ventilator twice. His therapists are happy that he can complete complicated tasks, and that his mouth, teeth and lips were not injured. However, he cannot take a deep breath without a great deal of pain, due to the broken ribs and cracked sternum. The doctors have said it could take a few months for his ribs to heal, allowing him to play the trumpet without discomfort. 

After 82 days of hospitalization, Brian was released to continue his recovery at his parent’s home (Bob & Diane Buerkle) on June 3rd, with Outpatient Rehab at Drake scheduled through August 26th. Throughout his hospitalization, Brian has surprised nurses, doctors, therapists and family with his progress. He overcame the left side paralysis; he is walking with no aid; his medication list is pared down considerably, and he is anxious to get back to playing his trumpet. While Brian’s progress has been miraculous and encouraging, the timeline for a full recovery is still unpredictable.

Before the accident Brian would practice 4 hours a day to maintain his professional form. His musicianship inspired both his colleagues and audiences for whom he played weekly. Brian’s music lifted the spirits of many, and we now hope to raise his, by rallying and supporting him during his rehabilitation.

Any gift you make to his recovery fund lets Brian know that he is not alone in this fight. As he continues to regain his strength, this fund will help with the many expenses to get Brian back on his feet. 

While Brian lost much in the terrible accident — his five trumpets, mouthpieces, his vehicle, computer, phone, concert apparel (all of the tools of his trade) — he did not lose his resilience, fortitude and determination. Please continue to pray for Brian’s continued recovery. We hope you will also join us in supporting his recovery financially. 

Thank you for reading Brian’s story. Any contribution, no matter how big or small will help Brian with his mounting medical costs and inspire his efforts to return to the stage. Please share this campaign link on social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) and with your friends. We will keep you posted on the use of funds and Brian’s progress going forward.