Help Joey (Flip) Balsley Heal After a Devastating Motorcycle Accident

On Friday, August 8, 2025, our beloved Joey “Flip” Balsley was in a horrific motorcycle accident that nearly took his life. While riding with a group, a ladder fell off a vehicle in front of them. As one rider narrowly avoided it, the ladder whipped around and extended across the highway. Joey didn’t stand a chance — he hit it head-on, was launched about 6 feet into the air, and tumbled down the pavement at least 15 times.

Joey was unresponsive for several minutes after the crash. It’s truly a miracle that he’s alive.

He was life-flighted from the Illinois/Kentucky border to SLU Hospital, where doctors immediately began assessing the extent of his injuries:

Fractured skull and facial bones

Broken nose and eardrum (he’s currently failing hearing tests)

Broken collarbone and shoulder

Multiple broken fingers, some of which had to be stitched back together at the knuckles

Severe foot and ankle injuries requiring surgery

Road rash and trauma across his body

Joey is facing a long and difficult recovery, with multiple upcoming surgeries, months of physical therapy, and specialist care. Doctors estimate it will take at least 9 months before he may return to a sense of normalcy — and that’s if all goes well.

Joey is a motorcycle mechanic by trade — it’s his passion and livelihood — but with these injuries, he will be unable to work for the foreseeable future. He and his partner Kelly are raising 7 children together, and the financial burden of medical costs, therapies, and everyday life is already overwhelming.

We’re reaching out to our friends, family, and community for support. Anything you can give — whether it’s a donation, a prayer, or a share — helps lighten the load during this incredibly difficult time.

Thank you for standing with Joey and his family. Let’s help Flip get back on his feet.

❤️‍ #FlipStrong #FightForFlip