SHELBURNE FALLS — Turners Falls DJ Robert “Bobby C” Campbell is feeling grateful for the community’s support as well-wishes continue to flow in while he heals from injuries sustained during a crash last week.

Campbell said he is facing a long recovery after suffering six broken ribs, internal bleeding and a hematoma on his left leg in the crash, which occurred Monday, Dec. 30.

According to Campbell’s account of the incident, he was driving a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe when the vehicle’s accelerator and brakes malfunctioned. As part of an attempt to avoid driving into the nearby Deerfield River, he ultimately crashed into the porch of a house near the corner of Main and Church streets.

In an email, Police Chief Gregory Bardwell said the Shelburne Police Department and EMTs were dispatched to 44 Main St. at 9:57 a.m. Police arrived to find the vehicle totaled and porch damaged.

According to Bardwell, the crash is being investigated and no cause has been confirmed yet. He added that no charges are being filed against Campbell and the sole occupant of the house was uninjured during the crash.

“I’m glad to be alive,” Campbell said on Wednesday. “I’m bedridden in Springfield and I’m not going to be able to walk for months.”

Campbell said the vehicle “decided to accelerate on its own” and was unresponsive when he hit the brakes. Faced with a difficult decision regarding how to stop the SUV, Campbell said he ultimately felt crashing into a home would mean a better chance of survival as compared to driving into the river.

Jane Dunning, who lives at 44 Main St., recounted the incident in a Facebook post.

“Sitting on the couch this morning, I was startled by a house-shaking ‘BANG!’” Dunning wrote. “I went to the front door to see a black car had struck the house, taking down much of the front porch. ... Fortunately, we had no explosion and no fire.”

Following the crash, Campbell was initially taken to Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield for what were deemed to be non-life-threatening injuries. However, Campbell said medical personnel in Greenfield, upon further evaluation, found he had internal bleeding and a head injury caused by the smashed windshield, so the decision was made to airlift him to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield for treatment.

As of Wednesday, Campbell is still in the hospital in Springfield and said he has a long road of recovery ahead. He does not yet have a rehabilitation center lined up. The uncertainty surrounding his recovery comes at what should be a joyful time for Campbell’s family as his daughter just gave birth to her first child.

“It’s been a very tough time for us,” Campbell said. “I don’t know what I’ll be able to do.”

Campbell said he is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support he has received in the days since the crash as thousands of Facebook commenters have wished him a speedy recovery. He added that he is thankful no one else was injured and grateful to the police, fire and ambulance personnel, as well as the hospital staff supporting him through this time. Dunning, too, thanked the first responders and said she is “grateful that it was not worse.”

“I love this community so much,” Campbell said.

Reach Madison Schofield at 413-930-4579 or mschofield@recorder.com.