UPDATE #2 WITH CORRECTIONS: OSP TROOPER SERIOUSLY INJURED ASSISTING DISABLED VEHICLE - HIGHWAY 20W NEAR SISTERS
Posted: August 15th, 2011 6:47 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-08/1002/46839/OSP.Badge.jpg
NOTE: This update will correct a couple pieces of information previously released earlier this date regarding who placed the jack to change the tire and how Trooper Tracy got out from underneath the van. Trooper Tracy placed the jack and raised the van to start changing the tire. The van's female passenger, CRISTINA ORTIZ, age 33, helped raise the van up enough that Trooper Tracy was able to scoot out from under the van after it had slipped off the jack and landed on him. The van's occupants have given permission for OSP to release their names.
*** CORRECTED NEWS RELEASE ***
An Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper received serious, non-life threatening head injuries Friday evening while attempting to change a flat tire on a disabled van along Highway 20W near Sisters. As the trooper's upper body was underneath the van trying to remove a spare tire, the van's jack slipped causing the van to fall onto the trooper. The trooper was treated at a Bend-area hospital and released by doctors today pending further medical treatment.
Updated information indicates on August 12, 2011 at approximately 6:13 p.m. Trooper Colin Tracy stopped to assist a disabled van with a flat tire on the shoulder of Highway 20W near Sisters. The van's occupants identified as driver ERIN SMITH, age 40, from Bend, passenger CRISTINA ORTIZ, age 33, from Bend, and ORTIZ' six-year old daughter had gotten out of the van when Trooper Colin Tracy stopped to check on them. Trooper Tracy said he would change the flat tire and had them move to a location away from the road where they watched.
After jacking the van up, Trooper Tracy slid underneath to access the spare tire. While on his back underneath the van, it slipped off the jack and fell onto him.
Before other people stopped to help, SMITH was trying to reposition the jack to raise the van. CRISTINA ORTIZ lifted the back of the van up as far as she could, enough that it allowed Trooper Tracy to scoot out from underneath it.
Several other people stopped at the scene to help until emergency responders arrived.
Tracy, age 30, was transported by Sisters-Camp Sherman Ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend where he is being treated for injuries that will require surgery. He was listed in serious condition but was authorized by doctors to be released Monday pending future medical treatment including surgery.
Tracy has been with OSP for six years. In addition to his assignment as a Patrol Services Division trooper at the Bend Area Command office, Tracy is a member of the OSP SWAT team.
OSP was assisted at the scene by Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and Cloverdale Fire Department.
### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
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