This morning we came across this video from 2021 of an off-roading accident outside of Telluride, CO on the notorious Black Bear Pass. It shows a Jeep suddenly careened down the mountainside, resulting in severe injuries for the occupant inside the vehicle.
Responders from the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office and emergency personnel promptly arrived at the scene of the accident following reports of a vehicle tumbling down multiple switchbacks from Black Bear Pass onto Bridal Veil Road on October 10, 2021.
According to the local sheriff, the incident unfolded as the 22-year-old driver of the Jeep Wrangler Sport disembarked from the vehicle, turned off the engine, and engaged the emergency brake. However, within moments, the Jeep began to move with the passenger still aboard.
Captured by dashcam footage, the distressing spectacle showcased the vehicle’s descent down the slope, while photographs displayed the Jeep in a severely damaged state beyond recognition.
Law enforcement officials revealed that the driver attempted to re-enter the Jeep in order to regain control, but he was thrown against rocks upon departing from the road, resulting in minor injuries.
As the red Jeep tumbled down the steep incline, the 23-year-old woman was ejected from the vehicle, enduring significant injuries in the process.
Additionally, a black lab puppy named Decker was also ejected from the Jeep during the ordeal.
The injured woman was airlifted to a medical facility for treatment, while the fate of the dog remained uncertain, with initial assumptions suggesting it might not have survived.
However, a few days later, a couple on the same trail heard barking and howling. Utilizing a high-powered spotting scope, they were able to locate the stranded puppy amidst the challenging terrain.
Subsequently, rescue teams were dispatched, successfully rescuing Decker. Remarkably, the pup emerged from the ordeal with no major injuries.
The father of the injured woman expressed that the rescue of Decker served as the best form of healing for his daughter as she continued to recuperate from her injuries.
To assist the injured woman, a GoFundMe campaign has been established.
UPDATE: September 6th, 2021by Suzie Rhodes, Beneficiary
I just wanted to give a little update on my recovery process and I want to say Thank you to everyone that has supported me through this tough time in my life. As of right now I am still going to physical therapy three days a week and I am making really good progress. Almost a year ago I had lost all feeling and motion in my legs. Over time I have been able to get a little more sensation and movement in my legs. When I returned home in January I had little movement and by March I started going to physical therapy. We worked on the little movement I had and tried to grow on that. By the end of April I was able to stand with a walker. By the end of May I was able to move my left leg forward and backwards. I was starting to walk. My right leg was struggling at the time. I ended up getting some AFO (foot braces) to help lift my toes so I could advance my legs better. By the end of June I was able to walk on the parallel bars. My legs continue to show really good progress. I am able to get up on my walker and walk a little ways right now. Besides my physical progress, I am also making really good mental progress. I was finally able to go up in the mountains for the first time since my accident. I was reminded how beautiful it is. I was reminded of why I loved being in the mountains. I fully plan on going back on Black Bear Pass again. My hope by next year I will be able to go up in the mountains as much as I want. With everyday I am reminded of how incredible life is .Going through a life changing accident makes you appreciate everything and everyone in your life. I am so grateful for the progress I have made this fair and I can’t wait to see what he future will bring. Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this accident , because of you guys this accident has been easier to handle.