GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – Jeep driver Gavin Plume and dirt biker Josh Vodry are both lucky to be alive after a disastrous head-on collision in Silver Lake Sand Dunes near Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to WoodTV, Plume was taken to the hospital following the crash, but was later released, while Vodry suffered a compressed fracture of his L2 vertebrae, small lung puncture, and a concussion, though he is expected to recover.
Plume captured the above video on his drone, flying it before the accident to capture his first trip to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. The crash, which took place just before 5 p.m. on August 10, occurred when the dirt biker jumped over a blind hill, colliding with the Jeep’s windshield. Plume was fortunately just hit in the head with his visor, causing him to briefly see double, while Vodry was sent cartwheeling through the air.
According to a post on his Instagram, Vodry was following another crew of bikers who had spotters on the hill. When he went to jump though, the spotters, who he didn’t know, were no longer paying attention.
“I would like to add that I didn’t know people at the top there were just spotting for bikes that were jumping already. Yes it’s my bad I didn’t have my own spotter I just wanted to join in for little bit while there where people there.” – Josh Vodry
A GoFundMe, started by Jesse Lambros and the company MFC Offroad, aims to raise money for Plume in his search for a replacement vehicle, as the Jeep was totaled in the accident.
A 360° video of the accident was captured and shared to Instagram by Vodry and can be watched here.