A co-worker's husband was hit by a semi while on horseback.

[Madrone]

Can you imagine?

She (the co-worker) was out of state when it happened. Apparently he went out to "move the horses" - it was in the evening and already dark. Don't know all the details but it seems that their dog ran out and the trucker saw the dog and swerved to miss it - only to hit the man on the horse whom he didn't see. At least one horse was killed (not sure how many there were total, or how many were injured) and the dog is fine.

The husband was unrecognizable, and only able to be identified by a neighbor - I guess he'd stopped by the neighbor's on his way to move the horses and the neighbor recognized the horses on the scene.

This happened Friday. Incredibly, he wasn't killed instantly, but he was really messed up with absolutely no brain activity to speak of.

He passed away yesterday but I'm not sure if it was because he was removed from life support or if he died while he was on it.

I can't stop thinking about it - my co-worker, the animals that may have suffered, and mostly... mostly I can't stop thinking about the man that was driving the truck. I can't imagine what he must be going through.

:(

[GOPisEvil]

1. That's just an horrific story all around.

I can't imagine any of that kind of pain. :(

[wildhorses]

2. what a tragic accident, so sorry to read this.

my condolences to your colleague.

[Haole Girl]

3. How awful

How is your co-worker...do you know? I hope, for her sake, she didn't have to make the decision to remove his life-support. :-(
Hugs for her...:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Madrone]

6. I've only heard through the grapevine....

Last I heard, she was holding it together pretty well. It was pretty much a give that she would have him removed from life support. Even if his body were capable of living his brain activity was absolutely flatlined. He would have lived as a vegetable.

I heard that there was some issue with HIS family about removing him from life support - so she had to contend with that I guess.

She was in Portland OR when it happened, and he was airlifted to a hospital in Spokane WA. She had to fly to Spokane ... I imagine that the last week has been a blur for her and she may not fully fall apart until after the funeral on Saturday.

TERRIBLE - the whole thing is just terrible and it's been on my mind a lot since last weekend. I hate situations like this - I'd love to do something to make it better for her but there's nothing I can do.

[Haole Girl]

12. Tragedies like this should remind everyone ...

...to have a living will. Removing someone off of life-support is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I'm so sorry she had to go through that...and contend with family members. And, you are right---she will probably fall apart, hopefully not too badly, once the shock wears off. Sending some more hugs.. :hug :hug: :hug:

[Madrone]

14. One of my bosses (who's also a good friend) -

Asked me early this week if I would be willing to be the designated person if he does his living will.... He's been needing to redo his will for some time and has been thinking about it a lot the last 3 weeks as he was divorced a year or 2 ago and has yet to redo his will. This accident made him think about the living will - and I agreed to be that person for him.

You are absolutely right about the living will thing - my mother and her husband both have them and have made it clear in many conversations over the years what their wishes are. My father hasn't gotten one yet, but has told me where he stands.

I don't have one as I don't really have any need for a will and both parents are living and feel the same way I do - so I won't get anything formal and in writing until I do a regular will - which won't happen until I buy a house. (Hopefully in a couple of years)

[Redstone]

4. Holy shit! Shows you how random life is, doesn't it? And reinforces the idea of

"live ever day as if it were your last, because it might be."

Redstone

[likesmountains 52]

5. Oh geez...you never know what will happen if you zig when you might

have zagged instead...random, instant, life changing events that happen in the blink of an eye...

[A HERETIC I AM]

7. As someone who drove a Semi for almost 20 years

(all accident free miles) I can tell you i would be absolutely devastated. Nearly suicidal with guilt, to tell you the truth. Think about it, the guy swerves to save the life of a dog and kills a man and a horse instead?

I dont think i would be able to get behind the wheel again for a very long time.

[Madrone]

8. I know!

That's why I can't get this poor guy out of my mind - I almost feel worse for him than I do for the co-worker - if I were forced to gauge the situation. I. Can't. Imagine. The. Guilt.

Absolutely awful all the way around.

[A HERETIC I AM]

13. I have to say though, when i see a semi in a ditch by itself....

I always think "That driver put that truck there saving someones life" because more often than not, that is the case. The exception is fatigue related single truck accidents.

BTW, i love dogs AND horses.

Truly tragic.

[BarenakedLady]

9. How horrible

For everyone involved. I can't even imagine. :(

[Whoa_Nelly]

10. Oh, gosh.....

:hug: for you, Madrone, for your sensitive soul :hug:

[leftofthedial]

11. well, that's a cheerful little story

how awful for all of them. And for you. Even being on the near periphery for something like that can be traumatic.

[flamingyouth]

15. I'm very sorry to hear this

What a terrible story. My condolences to all involved. :(

[pitohui]

16. oh i'm so sorry to hear that

don't know what to say