A Calgary couple has a long road ahead of them after being hit by a truck driving the wrong way down a northeast road last week.
The family and friends of Jonathan and Taylor Ramoutar say the pair were in their Jeep driving north on 52 Street NE around 5:15 a.m. on Monday, July 21 when they were hit by a Ford F150 driving south in the northbound lane.
Police say the truck had hit and killed a woman in her 50s who was crossing the street before it hit the Ramoutars, causing both vehicles to flip.
Charges are pending against the 25-year-old man who was driving the truck and investigators say excessive speed is considered a contributing factor. He is still recovering in hospital from his injuries.
Meanwhile, Jonathan and Taylor, who are both in their 30s, are facing an uphill battle as both remain in hospital.
According to a GoFundMe, Taylor, who was driving the couple’s vehicle, was left with a shattered left knee and broken leg, broken wrists, elbows, and upper arms on both sides, and a brain bleed that, thankfully, hasn’t caused brain damage.
Jonathan remains in critical condition, according to the page, and is awaiting multiple surgeries.
His injuries include a necrotic bowel requiring emergency surgery, a collapsed lung with severe lung bruising, a broken pelvis, a 10 centimetre surgical incision through his diaphragm, a liver injury that required surgery, multiple breaks in both legs, a compound arm fracture, a broken clavicle, and fractured ribs.
Money raised through the online campaign will go towards the couple’s medical expenses not covered by insurance, travel and parking costs for ongoing treatments, specialized medical and adaptive equipment, rehab and therapy, and more.
“Your generosity will directly help two innocent people rebuild, ease their burdens, and give them hope during the darkest chapter of their journey,” organizers write.