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Hook#3287
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« on: May 11, 2017, 01:55:53 PM » |
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run over himself today, with his 1957 John Deere 420 tractor.
I'm still in shock.
I don't know if he's ok, now, but hope to hear soon.
Joe loves that tractor and uses it all the time on his land to cut down trees and collect firewood, but mostly, he just loves riding it.
And it's a beauty too, looks like it's brand new instead of half a century old.
Today I was at his house doing some soffit and fascia work, been there all week.
Joe rolled his baby out of his garage. There isn't a flat piece of land in all the 10+ acres he owns, so he rolled it out next to his wife's Jeep SUV. The jeep was facing the garage and the JD was facing opposite.
It wouldn't start and he said that's the first time since he owned it, it wouldn't start. He got off it and started taking the battery cover off and the tractor started rolling forward. I yelled at him and he jumped in the seat and stopped it.
That should have been my clue.
Joe's a slight guy, but springy, I'd be surprised if he tops out at 130 lbs.
He got off and continued to pull the battery cover and checked the terminals, all seemed good when I came over and looked. I told him to try starting it while I hit the starter with my hammer and that did it, she started up. We talked about pulling the starter and finding someone to rebuild it and I turned to go back to my truck.
Just as I reach my truck I hear a commotion and I turn and see the tractor rolling with Joe between the it and the SUV. Joe's trying to get back on the tractor, but it's moving and he can't get a foot on it. He grabs the wheel and turns it to the left and the tractor pins him against the SUV and crushes him as it moves to the left, all the way around the back of the SUV, all the way to the right side, dragging and crushing Joe as it goes, where the tractors left front tire hits the SUV, just behind the front right wheel and stops the tractors movement.
Unfortunately, it didn't stall the tractor and the impact causes Joe to fall to the ground in front of the turning tire. The tire grabs Joe and pulls him under it and spits him out the back. Lifted the back end right up as it folded Joe in half and just exited him out.
Lucky, Joe folded forward and not backwards, because it would have broken him in two.
Joe's lying on the ground in a fetal position and the tractor is just sitting there digging two holes and pushing on the side of the SUV.
I run over to Joe. What can I do? Damage is done. I tell Joe I'm calling 911. I do. As I'm dialing I ask Joe how to shut it off. He says "the key" but it's not a key, it's a switch. I shut it down. I'm talking with the dispatch and Joe's saying "Bill, I think I'm dieing" and I'm yelling at him "No you're not Joe, just keep breathing." Dispatch is asking questions like "Is there visible bleeding? Is he awake? Are there obvious broken bones?" and I'm rattling off yeses and noes as needed. Joe's saying "I want to sit up" and I'm saying "No Joe, just stay where you are, just keep breathing." I'm answering questions and running to my truck to get a couple of shirts and coats to put under Joe's head. Joe says he wants to get up. "No Joe, just stay where you are and when the paramedics get here, they'll get you up, you're job is to just keep breathing even steady breaths".
Then he tells me he'll stay there and he says " I know what I did, when I pushed the battery back into place, I released the clutch"
Joe lives in a small town in Central Mass about half way between Worcester and Springfield.
In under 10 min, there were 2 local officers on site and in under 15 min, there were an additional 3 local and 2 state officers there, along with a ambulance.
They took over and I stood back. Joe's wife, who had not known any of this was going on, heard or noticed the excitement and came hurrying down from the house. I comforted her as much as I could and asked her to call her daughters. She was close to losing it and I think the suggestion gave her something to focus on. If it did, I'm glad, but she went back to the house to get her phone and one of the State Troopers, a woman, went with her. I was grateful she was there, cuase she concentrated on Joe's wife in a way I don't believe a male officer would have. Non had the opportunity anyways, because she did.
The paramedics decided to life flight Joe to Umass hospital in Worcester, the place everyone wants to be brought to when you need attention. It's considered one of the top trauma centers in the US.
Joe and most of the first responders go away and Joe's 2 daughters show up. They seemed to take it in stride, but I realize I'm the only one that saw it and they really have no clue what went on.
I'm pretty dazed, Joe's not just a customer any more, I consider him a friend. I'm dazed and concerned. I tell the family I'm going to pack up and I'll continue tomorrow if that's ok and their good and start figuring the route to Umass.
I pack up.
The clean up officers and the family members leave and I'm sitting there by myself trying to figure out what the hell just happened.
15 min ago, pandemonium, now, just me and the birds and bees.
So I sit there for 15 - 20 min and take my tools back out and finished the job.
Joe would want it done, he's trying to stop the woodpeckers and wood boring bees from destroying his house.
What an F'd up day.
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« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2017, 01:59:59 PM » |
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That's terrible.
Well done on reacting the way you did.
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Wizzard
Member
Posts: 4043
Bald River Falls
Valparaiso IN
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« Reply #2 on: May 11, 2017, 02:04:30 PM » |
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Wow,, I would be the same as you. Amazing he is still alive. You need some time to process this.
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 VRCC # 24157 |
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Daniel Meyer
Member
Posts: 5493
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #3 on: May 11, 2017, 02:36:15 PM » |
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Wow. I hope he'll be okay.
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer  |
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MarkT
Member
Posts: 5196
VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"
Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km
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« Reply #4 on: May 11, 2017, 02:42:14 PM » |
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What a shocker I know that's tough. Many of my relatives in KS are farmers - it's a dangerous business, one of the worst. Know of many incidents of farming accidents - my dad was raised on a farm, decades later he was a professor but old habits die hard; working with him was risky, he took chances, rigged stuff up that would give OSHA fits. Caused accidents that hurt me multiple times and dropped a cement mixer on my brother, lucky the drum just missed crushing him. My uncle had a farm hand whose head was crushed under the brake drum of a combine - it was closed casket. One cousin was sprayed in the face in the 80's with anhydrous ammonia - nearly killed him, to this day he has respiratory problems. Another farm hand had his arm ripped off with one of those belt drives. Tractors are much safer now with interlocks, ROPS structures, hydrostatic drives, deadman switches. You still have to be careful, and USE the safety stuff. I rarely buckle up on the Kubota - but there's little chance I'll flip it - stay off the steep grades or buckle up if I have to go there. It's heavier than it looks - with the added ballast and rear blade it's over a ton.  Hope Joe pulls through without lasting damage. |
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« Last Edit: May 12, 2017, 06:43:19 AM by MarkT »
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shortleg
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« Reply #5 on: May 11, 2017, 02:51:01 PM » |
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The one thing he has going for him is that in most of the small towns in New England everybody knows each other, so you know there are a lot of people pulling for him , as am I.
I had an Uncle and have a cousin in Worchester so I know about our New England Brothers and sisters when it come to terrible things like this.
He has my prayers.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #6 on: May 11, 2017, 03:10:31 PM » |
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Bill, I'm really sorry for your friend and you. Reading your story made tears well up in my eyes. He's lucky to have you for a friend and that you were there. That had to be very traumatizing. You did good my friend.  A long time ago my good friend, his family , and myself were snowmachining. He went off a river gorge at 50 mph pulling a sled with his kids in it. He survived, but it's something that will never leave my mind. Take care Bill. I'll be praying for him and his family. And you. |
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baldo
Member
Posts: 6961
Youbetcha
Cape Cod, MA
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« Reply #7 on: May 11, 2017, 04:53:39 PM » |
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Holy crap, Bill. He's cursed lucky you were there, his wife hadn't heard a thing!
You're right about UMass Worcester. It's definitely top notch. I spent some time there myself when I was young and dumb, my Dad was there after his heart attack, my Mom with her stroke and my brother with his cancer.
Best wishes for Joe and his family.....
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10514
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #8 on: May 11, 2017, 05:05:44 PM » |
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Man, that's rough stuff. Sorry to hear about your friend, and sorry you had to witness the trauma. It sounds like your adrenaline kicked in big time, and your quick thinking and clear mind were beneficial to everyone there. In these situations it takes awhile for the old heart rate to normalize again. Hope you're doing OK.
Prayers sent for Joe and his family.
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« Last Edit: May 11, 2017, 05:17:29 PM by Valkorado »
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby"  |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #9 on: May 11, 2017, 05:21:46 PM » |
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Hell of a story. Writing about it has to be cathartic. I hope he survives intact. Sorry you had to be there for it. Riding my brother's big Farmall in low gear, he says.... Jess, if you get this thing aimed at my house and fall off, it will go right through the wall and into the basement. So don't do that. Like a Terminator.  Every man has to know his own limitations. |
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« Last Edit: May 11, 2017, 05:26:21 PM by Jess from VA »
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jim@98valkyrie.com
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« Reply #10 on: May 11, 2017, 06:28:36 PM » |
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Bill,
Joe is so fortunate that you were nearby just when he needed his friend the most. Prayers to his family as well as you. You were in the midst of a very traumatic event today and you need some down time to process what you were a part of.
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Hook#3287
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« Reply #11 on: May 11, 2017, 06:41:48 PM » |
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Thank you so very much for the kind words and thoughts. I just got word that Joe didn't make it.  Rest in peace my friend. |
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Karen
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« Reply #12 on: May 11, 2017, 06:50:16 PM » |
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Sorry for your loss, Bill, it was a horrific experience with not much chance of a different outcome. I pray you will find peace; you did everything you could. I appreciate you sharing, and the toll this will take on you, Joe's family and friends. It'll take a while.
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oldsmokey
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« Reply #13 on: May 11, 2017, 07:13:08 PM » |
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A tragic day for the family and yourself, my sympathy and prayers for all.
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Pappy!
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« Reply #14 on: May 11, 2017, 07:14:45 PM » |
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You tell Joe that there is a bunch of old Motorcyle riders with their fingers crossed and praying for him. We will follow this story to, hopefully, a happy ending.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #15 on: May 11, 2017, 09:08:25 PM » |
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Thank you so very much for the kind words and thoughts. I just got word that Joe didn't make it. Rest in peace my friend. I'm sorry to hear that.  |
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RainMaker
Member
Posts: 6626
VRCC#24130 - VRCCDS#0117 - IBA#48473
Arlington, TX
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« Reply #16 on: May 12, 2017, 03:45:23 AM » |
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Prayers being raised for Joe's family and for you. Very sad story. |
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 2005 BMW R1200 GS 2000 Valkyrie Interstate 1998 Valkyrie Tourer 1981 GL1100I GoldWing 1972 CB500K1 |
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12764
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #17 on: May 12, 2017, 03:45:44 AM » |
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damn
You did what you could, sorry to hear this
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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solo1
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« Reply #18 on: May 12, 2017, 04:27:40 AM » |
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You did what was necessary. No one could've done more. Prayers for the family and you.
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BobB
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« Reply #19 on: May 12, 2017, 06:16:02 AM » |
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Our prayers go out to Joe, you did all you could and responded correctly.
Around 1960, an aunt of mine was killed in a tractor accident. A spinning wheel literally cut her in half. An ugly way to go.
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« Last Edit: May 12, 2017, 07:00:33 PM by BobB »
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Misfit
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« Reply #20 on: May 12, 2017, 06:19:25 AM » |
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Sad story. Sorry for the outcome. RIP Joe. |
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If you're lucky enough to ride a Valkyrie, you're lucky enough.  |
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MarkT
Member
Posts: 5196
VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"
Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km
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« Reply #21 on: May 12, 2017, 06:22:16 AM » |
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Sorry for your loss Bill. And for Joe's family. Really a hard thing to witness and think what you could have done. No point in 2nd-guessing it. Know you did the best you could at the time. Joe was fortunate to have you, his friend there to help & comfort him.
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NewValker
Member
Posts: 1391
VRCC# 36356
Oxford, MA
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« Reply #22 on: May 12, 2017, 04:19:25 PM » |
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Bill, as others have said, good thing you were there, I know you did all you could.
Prayers for his family and you, had to be horrible to see happening.
Craig
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Turns out not what or where, but who you ride with really matters  |
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3fan4life
Member
Posts: 6996
Any day that you ride is a good day!
Moneta, VA
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« Reply #23 on: May 13, 2017, 06:05:56 AM » |
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Thank you so very much for the kind words and thoughts. I just got word that Joe didn't make it. Rest in peace my friend. I'm really sorry to hear this. I spent 30 yrs working in EMS, 20 of them as a Paramedic. Trust me you did everything possible that you could to help your friend. |
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1 Corinthians 1:18  |
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #24 on: May 13, 2017, 06:29:48 PM » |
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My condolences to yourself and Joe's surviving friends and family.
Tough way to go but, just like riding motorcycles, it takes full concentration when operating on equipment. One slip and it's gonna get ya. Been there and seen it in person with a tractor.
Know that you did everything possible. Joe will be missed but, there's a lesson in this. I'm sure Joe would want all to learn from it.
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Hook#3287
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« Reply #25 on: May 14, 2017, 05:09:54 AM » |
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Again, everyone, thank you for the kind words and support.
It's been difficult, I will admit, the last couple of days.
I have no regrets of my actions and am not beating myself up, but the truth is, if I didn't help get the tractor started, it wouldn't have happened.
Jo Ann, Joes wife, said she was happy he went doing something he loved. Working his yard and messing with his stuff.
It's truly an amazing thing this internet, that I can share my grief and pain with, and be consoled by, friends I have yet to meet, plus the friends I have because if it.
Being able to do that has lessened the pain.
Thanks again.
OAO.
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Daniel Meyer
Member
Posts: 5493
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #26 on: May 14, 2017, 06:25:11 AM » |
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I have no regrets of my actions and am not beating myself up, but the truth is, if I didn't help get the tractor started, it wouldn't have happened.
Not true at all. Never underestimate the determination and ingenuity of an old man...he'd have gotten it going with or without you. |
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer |
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matt
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« Reply #27 on: May 14, 2017, 06:39:59 AM » |
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Wow very sad to hear for you and his family's loss.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #28 on: May 14, 2017, 08:19:09 AM » |
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I have no regrets of my actions and am not beating myself up, but the truth is, if I didn't help get the tractor started, it wouldn't have happened.
Not true at all. Never underestimate the determination and ingenuity of an old man...he'd have gotten it going with or without you. Agreed. We will never know what MIGHT have happened Bill. But it very well could have been much worse had you not been there with your friend. Take care.  |
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gordonv
Member
Posts: 5766
VRCC # 31419
Richmond BC
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« Reply #29 on: May 14, 2017, 02:45:58 PM » |
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I have no regrets of my actions and am not beating myself up, but the truth is, if I didn't help get the tractor started, it wouldn't have happened.
Not true at all. Never underestimate the determination and ingenuity of an old man...he'd have gotten it going with or without you. Agreed. We will never know what MIGHT have happened Bill. But it very well could have been much worse had you not been there with your friend. Take care. +1 Prayers for you all. and Thank you for sharing. It is a life lesson for us all too. |
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1999 Black with custom paint IS   |
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Harryc
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« Reply #30 on: May 14, 2017, 02:49:08 PM » |
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Sorry for you loss Bill and that of Joe's family. Prayers sent. May he rest in peace.
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