ANNISTON — Trent Wickliffe, longtime staff photographer at the Anniston Star and a familiar figure at Calhoun County community events, was reportedly among those injured at Saturday's Raptor Run 5K. The Green Tomato extends its warmest thoughts to Mr. Wickliffe and the entire Star organization during this difficult time.

Wickliffe, who was on assignment for the Star to cover what Sunday's edition described as "an annual celebration of fitness and natural history," was photographing the finish line area when the events of Saturday morning unfolded. According to colleagues, he was last observed retreating with his camera bag still around his neck and the lens cap on.

"Trent is a consummate professional," said Anniston Star managing editor Lacey Pruitt in a statement Tuesday. "He has covered ribbon-cuttings, school plays, and chamber luncheons in this community for nineteen years. Our entire newsroom is praying for his recovery."

Pruitt confirmed that Wickliffe had captured what she described as "several frames" before retreating, but that the photographs were unlikely to be published.

Wickliffe was treated at Regional Medical Center and released Saturday afternoon. He has not returned calls.

The Green Tomato has been in operation for considerably less time than the Anniston Star and recognizes the Star's long history of dedicated community journalism. We wish Mr. Wickliffe a full and rapid recovery, and we look forward to seeing him again at a future event, where we are confident he will once again do his very best.

We will not be running his photographs from Saturday, regardless of whether they become available.

The Calhoun Dispatch — sorry, The Green Tomato — has reached out to the Anniston Star for additional comment. The Star has not responded.