2009-11-12

Iconic 'paperboy' injured in motorcycle accident

By Judith Pannebaker

Apparently the whole town noticed the absence of a familiar figure from the streets of Bandera on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

For years, Billy Clyde Wright has been more regular than the formerly vaunted letter carriers as he wheeled his cart, delivering weekly newspapers – first the Review, then the Bandera Bulletin – through floods, gales, an occasional snowfall, blue no’therners and, more recently, 100º-plus temperatures.

For the past week, the Bandera County Courier has fielded calls regarding the “conspicuous absence” of one of the county’s most recognizable residents.

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 9:42 pm, emergency dispatch placed a call to the Bandera Police Department reporting a vehicular accident involving a pedestrian. First responder on the scene was Officer James Brantley.

According to BPD Lt. McLean, an investigation into the accident continues. “We’re still waiting for toxicology reports,” he said in an interview, adding that the results are expected later this week.

Reports suggest Billy Clyde had been walking to his residence on Old Medina Highway when William “Willie” Bates, 39, who was traveling in the same direction on a Honda motorcycle, collided with him. Medical personnel with Bandera County EMS transported both men to University Hospital in San Antonio.

Apparently the Bandera icon regularly walked in the roadway along the fairly dark stretch of Old Medina Highway on his way home at night.

According to Billy Clyde’s sister, Lee Schaefer, her brother had remained in an intensive care unit for several days after being admitted to the hospital last Tuesday night. The next day, Wednesday, Nov. 4, physicians performed surgery on the 61-year-old to repair his extensive injuries.

As a result of the accident, Billy Clyde suffered a punctured lung, fractured bones in his left arm and several fractured ribs and a shattered elbow and hip, as well as facial and eye injuries.
Bates has been released from the hospital with hand injuries, according to reports.

On Monday, Nov. 9, Schaefer told the Courier that Billy Clyde had been moved to a semi-private room. He is currently in Bed Number 2 in Room 735. University Hospital visiting hours are 9:30 am until 11:30 am; 1:30 pm to 4 pm; and 8 pm to 10:30 pm daily. The main telephone number to the hospital is 210-358-2590.

Schaefer cautioned get-wellers,” however. “If you call him, let the telephone ring a long time ‘cause the phone’s located on his bad side.”

Donations are being accepted at Arkey’s Silver Dollar to defray the cost of Billy Clyde’s television rental fee while he remains at University Hospital. Additionally, Bryan Black, owner of the Longhorn Saloon, is earmarking a portion of every beer sold to a special fund for Billy Clyde’s recovery.

To that end, the Courier, which has always advocated responsible drinking, suggests you stop by the Longhorn and “have a brew for Billy.”