Shooting Media Personality Tred Barta Suffers Stroke
NEW YORK – -(Business Wire)- The highly rated television series “The Best & Worst of Tred Barta” has taken a tragic turn as its host Tred Barta was struck last week by a spinal cord stroke just before completing filming of the final episode of the series. The final episode, which will be aired on the Versus Network later this year, will be an up-front and personal account of Barta’s fight to regain the use of his lower extremities that were left paralyzed from the stroke and how this will now relate to his ability and desire to continue to participate in wilderness and high seas adventures.
Barta, the icon of sports fishing and hunting, suffered the spinal cord stroke in mid-May and is currently under the care of doctors at Denver Health Medical Center in Denver, Colorado.
“I’ve fought to earn world records for some of the most challenging fish in the ocean and have hunted dangerous game in the wilderness with only my long bow, but nothing compares to the fight I am in now,” said Barta.
Spinal cord stroke is among the rarest forms of strokes – 1.2% of all strokes. The overall annual incidence of spinal cord strokes is estimated to be only 12 strokes in 100,000 people.
“Mr. Barta has suffered a spinal cord stroke which is a very uncommon condition. However, he has applied his uniquely vigorous and positive attitude in responding to his illness,” said Michael Earnest, M.D., neurologist, Denver Health. “Tred continues to do things the ‘Barta Way’ working hard and assisting in his daily recovery process. We look forward to his continued progress as he moves to the next level of care. He has earned the respect and admiration of all of us who are caring for him.”
Barta is a multiple world record holder in both sport fishing and hunting and hunts almost exclusively with a long-bow and home-made wooden arrows and fishes for marlin and tuna using only the lightest tackle. Fair chase and fair game are the hallmarks of his outdoor ethic. His Barta Blue Marlin Charity Tournaments, now held in Beaufort, North Carolina, are famous for its catch and release-honor system scoring format and have raised more than one million dollars for children’s causes.
“Tred has never done anything the easy way,” says Dean Travis Clarke, Barta’s editor of 20 years and fellow Versus Network TV host. “When he focuses on a goal, get out of the way or he’ll roll right over you! I believe with all my heart that Tred will approach walking again with that same drive and motivation.”
Barta, who is also a prolific author, writes for Sportfishing Magazine and Big Game Fishing Journal and is largely credited for his role in pioneering offshore “Canyon” fishing and how to fish, a North East Gulf Stream phenomena called warm core eddy formations.
Information about Tred Barta and his medical progress can be found at www.sportfishermen.com
Hi Tred, I heard of your spinal infarct through a family member that lives in Vail who is involved with the Olympic ski team. I cam relate to your troubles as I suffered a spinal cord infarct 6 months ago during the middle of a move. I was original misdiagnosed as Guillian Barre at the local hospital and was denied appropriate treatment by the neurologist. I was treated and diagnosed at Mayo clinic in Arizona and have spent nearly 5 months in physical rehab. My right side is stronger than left side. I cannot sense heat or cold below my… Read more »
I was shocked to see you in a wheel chair hunting bear,I immediately logged on to your web site to find out what had happened to you. I hope you get back to your old self soon. To see you hunting from your wheel chair was an inspiration to every one with a disability,I give you great credit for not giving up and not just laying down and giving up. In the last few years I have been hit with a bunch of set backs my self,I have had a hip replacement,the other one needs to come out two,I have… Read more »
I have watched your show for a long time. I had spinal surgery 5 years ago and was told I could not hunt or ride horses again. They were wrong. I was with my oldest grandson of 9 years of age take his first deer this year. You are the best out door host on TV.
Never give up IM with you al the way.
Get well soon I've watched your for a long time now.
I had spinal surgery 5 years ago and was told I could not hunt or ride horses again. They were wrong I was with my oldest grandson this year to watch him take his first deer. Never give up.
Your the best out door host on tv.
Tred, god bless you for your spirit and grit. Man you make old fat men like me feel guilty for griping about our aches and pains. You are truly an inspiration.
You have inspired me to live life to the fullest, no matter the difficulties.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am sure all your fans wish you a complete recovery, as do I!!!
william mickey jr
Tred, I knew you would be back out there again. Keep up the strength and push on champ. You are an inspiration to me and countless others. I just seen your black bear hunt from your new wheels. Awesome shot, but that's nothing new.
David
Muskegon, Mi