Shooting Media Personality Tred Barta Suffers Stroke

Shooting Media Personality Tred Barta Suffers Stroke

Shooting Media Personality Tred Barta
Shooting Media Personality Tred Barta

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

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Ken McMillan

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 »

colin cadorette

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 »

Byron Rigsby

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.

Byron Rigsby

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.

william mickey jr

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

David MacFadyen

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

John Katok - Humble

Tred,

It's December and just saw your show last night of your chair whitetail hunt in West Texas and learned then of your accident. I can not imagine how you have been feeling but I hope I have your strength in character in the event it ever happens to me. You will recover and we will be awed by your successes in the field once again.

John

Humble, TX

kurt shinn

i understand the mental part of a disability,i have stage 4 sarcoidosis and rhemutoid arthritis,i have a pace makerdiffibulator and the sarcoid is spreading,I AM NOT GOING TO GIVE UP, I BEEN IN THE WOODS TWICE THIS YEAR ,USUALLY I LIVE IN THE WOODS FROM SEPTEMBER TO THE END OF JANUARY, KEEP YOUR FAITH AND HUNT AND FISH WHEN YOU HAVE THE STRENGH, YOU SAID ON YOUR SHOW AND IT TEARED ME UP THANK YOU TO MY WIFE ,WHO IS MY BEST FRIEND,THATS AWSOME,MY WIFE IS NOT A HUNTER BUT LOVES THE OUTDOORS AND I TO APPRECIATE MY WIFE ,THEY… Read more »

Mike Rotch

Just watched you take about 6 unethical shots at caribou. You are a douchebag. Have fun in bed

Gary Stanfield

Wow! I just now saw you fishing in a high wind and deep cold — not to mention snow. I wouldn't fish like that — you are tough! Good luck with all you do!

Ken Feiereisen

Tred, I received quit a shock this morning as I prepared myself for work. I caught the episode of you in the wheelchair and riding your horse. My wife Debbie and I went to your site to find out what had happened. I am deeply sorry for your setback. I know you like doing things the "hard way, the Barta way," but seriously, this has to be the hardest Barta way yet!! You are an inspiration to all sportsmen and women, certainly to me. I know your not the kind of man that wants folks to feel sorry for you,… Read more »

sam williams

someone that can get a hold of tred pls tell him to call 623 937 5727 or [email protected] thank you

Bill c

Tred,I have no doubt you will make a full recovery.YOU ARE THE MAN

Larry Sellers

Here We go .

Tred.

Are you going to be able to talk Big Dan into Backpacking you into the hills for another Exciting Elk Hunt. Im sure we have not seen the end of your outdoor hunting adventures. Maybe you will be backpacking Big Dan in. You have more drive than anybody I know so we will see you again soon. Annie its time to lace up the boots, somebody has to shoot the Camera. See Ya all again soon.

God Bless

Larry Sellers

Capt. Steve Henon

Hey Capt. Tred. From one captain to another. KEEP ON FISHING. I fish Southwest Florida and you are welcome to come light tackle fishing with me anytime. I just hope that in the event I ever suffer an illness like yours, I would be half as strong and determined as you are to continue living life as if there was nothing wrong. I wish you well.

Garry McWhinney

Tred,

I am a huge fan, after first seeing your show on versus i fell in love with traditional bow hunting, my friends all think i'm crazy for hunting whitetailed deer with a long bow but i know i will get it done, keep workin hard your an inspiration.

Tom Riley

Tred,

Was saddened to hear of your unfortunate spinal paralysis …. I enjoy watching your show whenever I can…your positive enthusiastic passionate attitude twords the hunting "experience" no matter if you succeed or fail will no doubt help you through this challenge you now face. Looking forward to seeing you back in the field again no matter how you get there. You are an inspiration to myself and others. Keep the faith. Good luck and God Bless.

Tom Riley

Macomb, Mi

jerry

Hi Mr. Barta

I watch your show everyweek and I recently seen one with you in a wheelchair. You and your family are in my prayers. Stay strong and just do day by day. IF i can help in anyway please let me know and I'll try my best to help. god bless

hokieron

When i saw your show today, i just learned today of your obstacle in life. Thanks for being an inspiritional leader for all, as well as a great fisherman.

I love your show and have been watching it for years.

Continue to live life to the fullest. God Bless.

you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

I remember on one of your shows you said a prayer for all of the blessings you have recieved and the beauty of the life you have experiences. we all have alot to be thankful for.

Ron

john pirowski

tred, glad to see your back in action. wishing you a full recovery. big fan i love your show, your humor and your go gettim attitude. god bless you and annie. your an inspiration to all. from one of your many fans from buffalo, ny

Merritt Burke

Tred,

I wish you the best! As a long-time viewer of your show, I was shocked to see you in a wheel chair. However, when you caught a fish on two pound test I told my wife that you were back.

You are a leader and one amazing sportsman.

Good luck and keep the shows coming!

joe wooden

Tred,

Stop allowing Doctors to "care" for you and bring you "to the next level of care"!!!

Get out and continue to miss game with your long bow Brother!!!

You're abrasive but you're REAL!!!

Keith Ford

Even with this change of direction I'm sure things will still be done the Barta Way. The possibilites for a new show to encourage deveopment of adaptive equipment for sportsmen and women to continue to enjoy the outdoor life would follow your lead. Best wishes and May God bless you and yours.

Kirk Armstrong

Tred,

Your enthusiasm for life and God's creation is intoxicating. It is that attitude and Zest you possess that will get you through what God has brought you to. You are a man of grit, a man of tenacity and a man of faith. I admire your drive and your attitude. Keep up the great work and good spirits. If you don't I am sure Annie will smack you into check again!!? God bless and God's Speed in your recovery my brother. The Outdoors will always be there for you!

John Gardner

Tred, I have always admired your drive and determination to reach your goals. I have no doubt that will continue. I am an honored fan and fellow hunter who has enjoyed your show for many years and will continue praying for you. Tell Annie we are all proud of her too. She is one tough cookie.

Chris Priest(Navy Ch

Tred,

You are the only reason I stay up late on Friday nights to watch TV. My two favorite personalities on TV are "The Gunny" R. Lee Ermey, and Tred Barta"200 lbs of Blue Twisted Steel". God Bless you and your family, we will pray for your speedy recovery.

Luis Roman

Tred,

I've been a fan of your show for a long time. I'm living in Virgina, born and raised in New York City. I fished all over Long Island for many years. I just want to share that with God all things are possible. I'm praying for you and believing that God will heal you.

Remember, that God is your strength!

Gary Grover

Tred, always have and will be a fan, still watching your shows, do it your way, and you can make a complete recovery. Keep your sights set high, and with your wife, freinds, and God by your side you will be on target.

Rocky Siclari

Hi Tred, I put your name in our pays at church as soon as I found out about what happen to you. I am planing my first trip to Colorado to hunt elk this year 2010. in Hayden Colorado. It will Be neat to just know I am somewhere in your neck of the woods. You will be in my mind every step of the way. I cant wait to see you back and I just know you will fight this problem the TRED BARTA way and you will win. You are in my prayers. Rocky Siclari. Java village New… Read more »

Tom miller

Tred. We sportsman need you so god speed in your healing. There-

aren't any other hunters on tv that I follow as much as you . Your a

true inspiration on how I hunt so I know I am not the only one.

craig miller

If anyone can adjust to changes it would be you. I was in a bicycle accident 1983 leaving me a para T6 complete, life changes that fast. I've learned immediately how to adjust with what I had to work with. I've fished for marlin in Venezuela, tuna in Cabo, tarpon in Key West muskies in Canada. I still go scuba diving, owe my own boat drive it and fish out of it Lake Erie Lake Michigan and my favorite Lake of the Woods Ontario. I've fallen out of my boat off the toilet i've crawled through snow banks to get… Read more »

karl w. bohne, jr.

When I saw the Versus show my first reaction was sadness. However, by the end of the show I realized that you are an inspiration to all. You are truley blessed to be surrounded by a great family (especially your wife) and I know that I will be seeing you shortly on the tube doing what you do best.

Philip korte

Dear Tred, My name is Phil and i am from Detroit,Mi. Just wanted to let you know that you are huge in Detroit.The only thing we have good is hunting and fishing and you on versus on the weekeneds!!Times have been pretty tough for all of us here and now times are tough for you!!!By watching your shows,you have givin me a different outlook on hunting and fishing.I thank you for all that you have done!!I hope and pray for a speedy recovery for you!!!Can't wait to see you on versus!!My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!God… Read more »

Gary Russell

God Bless you and your family during this Holiday Season. Your wife getting you home was the first step. If you have your family you have everything. Make them proud and beat this thing, you know "The Barta Way"

Matt Michalicek

Dear Tred, Two days ago I saw your video at Family Video and was glad to see a hunting video and snatched it up. For the past two nights, I’ve had the time of my life watching both discs, saying to myself, “I’d love to hunt with this guy!”. I live in central Wisconsin, don’t have cable, and had never seen your show. I also hunt the hard way ‘The Barta Way’ about half the time. I build and hunt Osage Native American bows with flemish twist strings, and homemade arrows with self noks and lashed on turkey feathers. A… Read more »

Kirk and Myrtie Barr

Mr. Barta,

This is just another rock in the path. I want to see you overcome this the way you do everything in your life. Please put the fight of your life into this. You have so fans praying for you and your family. May God bless you and your family during this Christmas season.

Matt Michalicek

Tred,

I wish you the very best. You are someone who 'gets it'. We need more sportsmen like you, who tell it like it is.

You will be in my prayers and the prayers of my church family.

Beat this. You can do it.

Matt Michalicek

Dick reitz

tread, sorry to hear about your condition, I know your a tuff nut.

I just wanted to tell you my brother had what sounds like the exact same symptoms. Paralyzed then numbness moving into his chest. He went to the university of Pittsburgh Med center and they found it was a water borne virus. They treated him and he can walk again. Maybe it's not the same thing? Just wanted to let you know and hope you check with them.

Best wishes.

Dave Curtis

Tred, After watching your show last night on Versus I was shocked to learn of your illness. However at the same time I am totally impressed with your determination and strength of character to cope with this problem, you truely are a great role model for everyone who loves to hunt or fish. You have helped me to keep the drive it takes to continue when the chips are down and things get tough. "Never Give Up" is the chant I follow and I pray that your recovery will come soon, as I know you will recover, because that is… Read more »

BARRY DRESEN

TRED, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR INJURY. I WAS PUT IN THE SAME BOAT AS YOU 23 YEARS AGO. I WAS AN AVID ARCHERY HUNTER AND FISHERMAN. I WAS PARALYZED DURING SURGERY TO REMOVE A SPINAL CORD TUMOR. I AM 58 YEARS OLD AND AM STILL DOING WHAT I USED TO DO ONLY A BIT DIFFERENT FOR SURE. DON'T QUIT FIGHTING AND YOU WILL OVERCOME. IT WON'T BE EASY BUT JUST GET AFTER IT THE BARTA WAY AND YOU WILL OVERCOME THIS SET BACK.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU

BARRY DRESEN

Ed

Tred,

Just saw your show last night. My son and I have always enjoyed

your show and your attitude. Keep fighting and know that you and

your family will be in our thoughts this holiday season.

Good luck to you.

Ed Walsh

Gim Cipriano

Tred , While recovering from a spinal surgery myself, I just found out that you and I are in the same boat. I could have very easily left John Hopkins in a wheelchair, if not for my attitude and prayers from all of my family. I see the EXACT-SAME attitude in you and it inspires me.I sincerely hope that you have a full recovery. Being a very avid sportsman, I can feel your frustrations, but you have to believe that GOD is with and within you! LIVE IT UP! Gim Cipriano

Brett

The first time I seen one of your shows I was excited that someone besides myself shot traditional/primitive archery. Your a wild man. I've been hunting your way for 20 years now. I haven't taken much game but, like you say it's not how big or how many, it's the thrill of being there and doing it the hard way and accomplishing something that not easy to do. A few months ago I tore my achilles tendon and needed surgery to repair it. I have had a painful recovery and still limp a little. You don't know how much you… Read more »

ALAN THOMPSON

Jack & Julie, Thanks for the contact. I will pass this on to my son's doctors ASAP. Also, I would like to wish the Bartas and everyone reading these messages, a Merry Christmas. God Bless you all. ADT

Jack & Julie Wil

Attn: ADT

Please have Ethan's doctors contact Duke Medical University Hospital in NC. What you briefly describe is frighteningly similiar to symptoms realized by one of our son's friends (coincidentally named Ethan) he had extreme headaches, partial loss of sight and hearing, and loss of balance. The last year has been rough but amazing as well, I am pleased to tell you that he returned to play football on his high school team this fall. Honestly last year at this time, we were fearful and became amazing prayer warriors. Please, please have your doctors contact Duke……..

Jack & Julie Wil

Mr. Barta, While watching Versus this evening as a family, as we normally do. We all looked at each other with that look of "what did they say"? We are deeply saddened about your current situation. We've watched our son overcome amazing obstacles in his short 17 years. He was born missing part of his right arm, being avid outdoor fans, we were shocked first; why did this happen and how on earth is he going to shoot a bow! By the time he was three, through the gratittude of the Shriners, our little "red-neck" was stalking our nearly deaf… Read more »

ALAN THOMPSON

Dear Mr. Barta, I just saw your show about your injury on Verses tonight. I am so sorry and hope you are recovering well. Your story hit home hard to me as my 17 year old son Ethan, this September either suffered a illness that attacked his inner ear or a concussion when he fell and hit the back of his head on the ice during hockey practice. The doctors can't seem to figure it out. But he can no longer can stand or walk without help or a walker. Also his balance and vision is disrupted and everything is… Read more »

Dwight

Capt, I just learned of your stroke while watching Versus. I was initially shocked and saddened to learn of your about this sudden event but then realized that if anyone can't beat this it's you! To take probably the most difficult challenge of your life and put it out here for all of us to see, understand, and learn from is one of most selfless acts I've ever witnessed. But it was definitely keeping in what I've learned to expect from the "Barta way" and style. Remain positive, work to stay strong, and remember that tomorrow is yet just another… Read more »

J

Sir,… we have never met! However, I have prayed for you even during my most darkest hours. I have watched your show numerous times. I thank you for showing me that I shouldn't give up hunting. Looking through optics or down the muzzle of a rifle at my target is no longer the same. It is difficult for me to even squeeze the trigger anymore. My best friend bought me a Fred Bear Recurve so I may hunt once again. I will continue to pray for your loved ones & you. It was an honor defending & fighting for your… Read more »

keith martin

Tred

I watched your show's for year's .I learned so much from you and your hunting and fishing show's.Are pray's @ love are with you for a speedy recovery.

Keith@Dawn Martin Holley ,ny.