It’s a common scenario. A person sets out for a routine trip to the store, only for something unexpected to occur, causing the vehicle to veer out of control. Sometimes, the driver manages to regain control and drive off into the sunset, narrowly escaping a tragic fate. Other times, like in this case, fate takes the reins.
Eric “Rick” Sorenson, a resident of Ontario, recently became a statistic when his incident led to a fall down a 4.5-meter embankment off the highway, leaving him trapped under his ATV but thankfully alive.
After over ten hours passed, Sorenson decided to conserve his energy as he awaited rescue without food or water. The scorching hot day of the crash, reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit, left him severely dehydrated.
As darkness descended, he used a survival technique learned from his late father, a Navy veteran, by flickering his headlights to attract attention. After hours of waving his arms, a firefighter spotted the lights on his way home from fighting a blaze. Emergency crews arrived shortly after and rushed him to the hospital.
Despite efforts to relieve pressure on his pinned leg, doctors had to amputate his right leg below the knee eleven days later. To his loved ones, his survival is the true miracle.
This incident is why I hesitate to invest in or use a quad for recreation. While I have ridden them and enjoyed it, I am petite and fear being crushed by the weight of the ATV in an accident. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the risks involved.
Sorenson later explained that the loose gravel caused the ATV to lose balance, despite his reduced speed. The unpredictable terrain led to the ATV rolling multiple times and landing on top of him, highlighting the role of environment and chance in accidents.
While I don't discourage quad riding, this serves as a lesson to prioritize safety through training, protective gear, and preparedness for unforeseen circumstances.
If you wish to support Eric's recovery and help him adapt his home for his new circumstances, you can donate to the GoFundMe campaign organized by his stepbrother's partner, Maryann Ruttan.