Dear Editor,
On Tuesday, Oct. 4 about 12:15pm, a collision occurred on
northbound Highway 101 north of Highway 25. A Toyota 4Runner was
involved in a solo rollover collision.
Dear Editor,
On Tuesday, Oct. 4 about 12:15pm, a collision occurred on northbound Highway 101 north of Highway 25. A Toyota 4Runner was involved in a solo rollover collision.
A father and his two daughters were traveling through Gilroy when this collision occurred. Upon my arrival at the scene, I observed numerous people there.
These citizens had removed the two young ladies from the overturned vehicle and were tending to them at the front of Rapazzini Winery.
I was contacted by an off duty law enforcement officer, who advised me the two young ladies were alright and directed me to the father, who was still in the vehicle.
When I got to the father, I observed the top of the vehicle was resting across his face, but he was still alive. Along with at least six other people assisting me, and utilizing rocks, a vehicle jack and their strength, we managed to lift the vehicle off the gentleman and remove him from under it.
We were then able to secure his airway, control the bleeding from his head and began tending to his injuries until the arrival of emergency medical personnel.
With everything going on at the scene, I was not able to talk to any of my fellow rescuers, who left after they had done what they could. I want to personally thank each one of these people for the care and concern they displayed for the victims and for the outstanding assistance they provided my officers and me.
Although the gentleman did not survive, the efforts of these men and women gave the father a fighting chance to live, instead of letting him die in his vehicle.
This was an extremely tense and emotional scene, and I would like to also make sure that if any of the people who assisted me are in need of counseling or debriefing, there are numerous agencies they can contact.
They can also contact a number of local pastors, including Gilroy Police Department Chaplain Malcolm Macphail at New Hope Community Church or Pastor Eric Smith at South Valley Community Church.
We should not let this incident affect us negatively. I want them to know all that could have been done to save the gentleman was done, and once again, thank you for all that they did.
Sergeant Dave Hill, California Highway Patrol, Hollister-Gilroy Area
