Soldier in critical condition after car wreck in Long County

05GTO · 07-02-2008, 05:32 PM

Soldier in critical condition after car wreck in Long County

By Mike Riddle, Posted: July 2, 2008

A Fort Stewart soldier is listed in critical condition after he was involved in a wreck last Friday in Long County.
According to information provided by Georgia State Patrol Trooper Jamie Wilson, last Friday morning about 1 a.m., Robert Patrick Jones, 21, was driving his 2005 Pontiac GTO north on Rye Patch Road near the Mary Road intersection.

Jones lost control of his car and veered off the east shoulder of the road, near the curve on Bell Road. The automobile traveled 320 feet off the east shoulder of Rye Patch Road and struck a culvert, propelling the GTO another 66 feet where it hit a second culvert.
The vehicle then became airborne and flew 33 feet where it overturned and landed on its roof in the roadway, facing west.

The Ludowici/Long County Fire Department arrived on the scene and found Jones entrapped in the vehicle. L/LCFD Chief Darrell Balance said workers began to extract the soldier from his car using the Jaws-of-Life.
"He was pinned under the car at where the B-Post on the car is, once we got him out, he was treated and taken to Memorial in Savannah," Ballance said.
Ballance added that the soldier had extensive trauma to his head from the accident.
Once the victim was removed from the automobile, he was air-lifted from the scene by Life Star and taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center, where he arrived at 2:17 a.m.
According to the GSP report, the driver appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. An alcohol and drug blood test was given, and the results still are pending.
According to MHUMC representative, Bryna Gordon, as of Monday at noon, Jones was still listed in critical condition.

PDQ GTO · 07-02-2008, 05:43 PM

Horrific for sure. Another possible DUI tragedy. At least he did not take anyone else out but himself. If you drink please drive your hush-puppy’s…

Sloop_John_B · 07-02-2008, 07:26 PM

People who pull moves like this don't deserve GTOs, enough said.

NJSierra · 07-02-2008, 08:37 PM

that is why our insurance rate is so freakin high...I hope he makes it out okay...I'd never wish death on anyone even if they made a mistake or misjudgement.

06brazengto · 07-02-2008, 10:29 PM

holy crap another wrecked goat

Aramz06 · 07-03-2008, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06brazengto

holy crap another wrecked goat

More and more... Whats the deal with people thinking they are invincible when they drink. Obviously I hope he makes it out okay, but you have to be more responsible. Like PDQ already mentioned, atleast nobody was with him. Its really getting frustrating seeing these poor goats going out 1 by 1 becuase of dumb drivers.

Rukee · 07-03-2008, 07:23 AM

Same thing happened with the classic Muscle cars too, that`s why there aren`t that many left.
Wonder how fast he was doing? You have to be really moving to skid 320' then launch 66' off a culvert, bounce off a second culvert and fly another 33' flipping over too. He must have been really hauling.

raspantienator · 07-04-2008, 05:41 AM

Easy to say-don't be stupid and drive after drinking, but reality is scary. Many of us that own muscle cars come from the era of "road trips". Many of us go to weddings and parties and still will drive after a few. I have 2 Masters degrees and certainly contain enough brain power to understand the negative relationship between drinking and driving, but admittingly have fallen to such rationalizations I am sorry to say.

This may have been his first and last accident, but you have to wonder how many times prior he was just plain lucky.
We should all count our blessings this holiday weekend and remember that luck eventually runs out.

I pray for our soilder who has fallen under ctitical care. TBI-may never be the same.

Rukee · 07-04-2008, 11:10 AM

I knew I would never be able to drink and not drive, which is exactly why I quit drinking years ago.

mays_diesel · 07-08-2008, 10:11 AM

Hey Jones I wish you the best of luck, and hope you realize how important life is. God was looking over you and you should be thankful. Life is to short to make stupid mistakes when they can be easily avoided. Take this as a reminder and think before acting. Best wishes, Mays_diesel