Victims of multi-car collision on I-90 reach out to thank Ritzville

Through you, I am writing an open letter to the citizens of Ritzville. I would be grateful if you can share it with your readers without needing to edit it down too much.

My wife and I started a journey from our Spokane area home to Yakima last Friday, Dec. 20. We were traveling to visit a couple of our grandchildren for an early Christmas celebration.

However, we never made it…

We became just two of the many unfortunate victims of the massive chain reaction collision in the westbound lanes of I-90, about seven miles east of Ritzville.

To say that it was an experience we will never forget can only be an understatement. Suffice it to say, it was a scene of violent and total mayhem of the worst kind, with a huge amount of severe damage and destruction occurring to vehicles and personal property.

But far worse, there were many injuries to fellow travelers, including several that were serious.

And tragically, at least one death occurred. It truly weighs heavily on our hearts to think about the pain and sadness that there will be for many families during this Christmas week, as a result of direct involvement (or of a loved one’s involvement) in this tragic event.

However, Mr. McFadden, that’s only half of the story – my initial reflection about the bad half!

Importantly, there is also a very good half!

You see, what has helped Shannon and I already start to rebound from the terrible effects of tragedy and loss, is the tremendous outpouring of compassion and emergency aid we immediately started to receive from the community of Ritzville!

First, our sincere thanks to the emergency response personnel – fire and ambulance teams who rescued and aided countless people at the accident scene, including my wife.

Second, recognition goes to Washington State Patrol for a very long day’s job, doing the tough and necessary accident investigation, and helping some of us to keep a little warmer during six hours of staying by our vehicles in the freezing snow and cold.

Next, my personal thanks go to Mr. Adam Colbert, of Adam’s Automotive & Towing, who treated me more like a friend and neighbor whom he was towing, instead of the total stranger that I was. Adam, you are an amazing gentleman!

Also, I’m sure that thanks are equally in order to the other local tow truck operators who collectively helped clear the 20-plus vehicles that required towing from the vast accident scene.

A special “life saver” thank you goes to the staff at Jake’s Café, who helped thaw me out with hot coffee and the best tasting bowl of clam chowder I’ve ever had in my life! Ladies, I think you single handedly took me from major hypothermia to putting me on the road to recovery.

The East Adams Rural Hospital staff is next in line for a HUGE thank you! They effectively triaged and cared for an overflow number of collision victims with care, compassion, and professionalism.

My personal gratitude goes to Trudy and Brenda, who took excellent care of my beloved wife. Nothing matters more to me than the work you and other staff members did to help my wife and other victims begin their healing process. I’m forever indebted to you!

The Best Western Plus Bronco Inn made room for us on a very tough night, and did so with gracious hospitality, a special low “distressed motorist” rate, and the offer of a late checkout time, if we needed it. Thank you, so much!

And finally, another HUGE thank you goes to Jeff, the off duty EMT, who spent a good hour and a half of his personal time to first pick me up at Jake’s; to then reconnect me with the belongings from our car; next, to take me to pick up my wife at East Adams Rural Hospital; and finally, to transport our belongings and the two of us to our motel room.

Jeff lifted our spirits with his compassion, he hugged us both good-bye, and he steadfastly refused to take a single cent for his “off duty” time and trouble. The kicker: Jeff then left us, not to go home, but to go help another of the stranded crash victims!

Ritzville, you are an unbelievably amazing community! Shannon and I can never begin to repay you for all your help, kindness and compassion.

I had better not ever hear anyone knocking a rural community’s capabilities, or its level of humanity in responding to a disaster…

Especially if its name is RITZVILLE!

Gratefully yours,

Jerry and Shannon Miller, Spokane