A woman who battled for her life after being severely injured at a Boston Red Sox game is now facing a new fight: a custody battle with her ex-husband.
Tonya Carpenter was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries after being hit by a baseball bat at Fenway Park in early June.
After spending time in rehab for a traumatic brain injury, Carpenter is now recovering at home.
Now, her former husband is seeking to take custody of their 7-year-old son, according to court documents obtained by necn.
George Carpenter alleges in the court documents that his former wife "is on numerous medications, is not able to drive due to her condition and requires 24/7 supervision." He seeking physical custody of the child — permitting his former wife parenting time "upon her ability and the best interest of the minor child" — and child support payments.
The couple divorced in 2014. At the time, documents show Tonya Carpenter was given physical custody, while George Carpenter was allowed parenting time every other weekend and he was ordered to pay $250 a week in child support.
Tonya Carpenter says in court documents that her ex, who was caring for the child while she was in the hospital and rehab, has now refused to return the child to her care. The child, who was at the game when the mother was hit, is currently undergoing counseling.
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Tonya Carpenter slammed her former husband's actions on Facebook.
"I was hit by a bat at 110mph at Fenway watching my son's ketchup drop on his lap eating his hotdog…my EX-husband decides since this traumatic experience his opportunity is to take MY only child away and get full custody…I have spent the entire week in Worcester court and finding strength somewhere some how fighting for life, strength and the power of him to never ever take away what I live and breath for," the post reads.
“Her ex-husband is trying to beat this poor woman down when she’s already down,” said Dave Shablin, the man who gave Tonya the baseball tickets and who has organized fundraisers for her.
Shablin says while Tonya is still dealing with some physical injuries, including sight and hearing issues, she is capable of taking care of the child.
Necn reached out to George Carpenter and his attorney on Monday, but no one has returned a request for a comment.
