As the season of gratitude approaches, bodybuilder Tonio Burton feels thankful after nearly losing his life. In a recent Instagram post on November 22, 2024, Burton revealed he survived a serious motorcycle accident after a car hit him head-on, and he showed off his gruesome injuries following the ordeal.
Tonio Burton has made a name for himself in the Men’s Open division. He established himself as a formidable contender earlier this year after earning his ticket to the 2024 Mr. Olympia with an impressive performance at the California State Pro. Shortly after, he decided to test his mettle against some of the best in the Open category at the Arnold Classic South America, where he placed second behind Rafael Brandao, and at the New York Pro, where he placed third.
However, just a month before the sport’s biggest event, Burton announced he would not compete at the Olympia. He explained that he and his coach had decided it was best to take time off from PEDs and focus on his overall health and longevity as an athlete.
Tonio Burton Escapes Death After Motorcycle Crumbles in Head-on Collision
Unfortunately, just two months after withdrawing from the contest, Tonio Burton would suffer a life-altering event that has left him feeling incredibly blessed to be alive. In a recent Instagram post, he revealed that he was hit head-on by a car while riding his motorcycle, sharing horrific images that capture the severity of the accident. Below, you can find Tonio Burton’s explanation of the terrible incident.
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Viewer Discretion Advised:
“Said I would post the pictures of the accident and here they are. The more you slide the worse it’ll get so scroll at own risk.”
“2nd and 3rd degree burns.”
“Both legs, left foot, both hands, both arms, lol and left glute but not posting that”
“Hit by car trying to beat the traffic and hit me head on. I flew, Slid, and tumbled 40ft.”
After describing what happened and the injuries he suffered, Burton described what he could remember following the impact.
“I remember laying face down looking at the crash and then I turned my head the other way and passed out. I know this because when I came to I heard “he’s dead, he’s been laying there”. I got up confused and walked around looking for my phone to call me son because he just finished practice but someone had taken it while I was out.”
Tonio Burton recounts several individuals who couldn’t believe he had survived the incident.
“A guy in a truck drove up to me and told me “ you’re lucky you have all that muscle someone smaller would’ve died”.
“A off duty paramedic told me to take a seat because there’s no way I should’ve survived that.”
“As people were walking by were telling me to hang in there help was coming.”
He revealed that the pain was immense at the time of the crash and that it didn’t get easier after being discharged from the hospital.
“Everything burned so bad but at the same time body was numb almost felt better to be dead but in the moment of when I was laying facedown I felt like I was given a choice lay there and tap out or get up.”
“Over the course of healing after leaving the hospital. I couldn’t do anything on my own. Eating was hard to do, walking hurt, sitting on one side was so uncomfortable, laying down I had to have a pillow under my right arm, pillows holding my legs up, and when I had to get up I had to rotate till my feet were off the bed and throw my body up or slide down to a knee and then stand.”
Burton explained that the ordeal left him struggling mentally as well.
“Watching myself get smaller the depression was real”
He is currently taking a mild painkiller called tramadol for his injuries.
“Getting on pain meds (Tramadol) taking one made me feel good enough to be comfortable, as the days went on I went from taking 2 a day to taking 6. Then 6 with 2 Tylenol. Then I noticed I was taking all those without even being in that kind of pain. It was addiction kicking in” Burton explained.
“I stopped taking them and forced myself to start moving around the house and walking outside to getting back into the gym where I was still bandaged up and had to wear my Nike slides because all the injuries were still present.”
Tonio Burton is using this horrific event in his life as a sign that he is meant to be here and revealed that he is simply happy to be alive and healthy.
“Through all that. I’m thankful to still be alive and healthy. Big things coming. #ImHereForAReason”
Fans are eager to witness Tonio Burton’s return to the competitive stage next year. With his resilience and determination, many expect him to come back stronger than ever after overcoming such a life-altering challenge. We wish Tonio Burton a speedy recovery and cannot wait to see what lies ahead.
RELATED: Bodybuilder Left Dead at 34 After Horrific Head-On Motorcycle Collision
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