Photo Contributed/Courtesy Andy Bell: This photo shows a GMC pickup and a Polaris RZR after they collided on May 13th.

Possible DUI and aggravated assault charges against other drivers still pending

John Johnson

john johnson news@gmail.com

GRAHAM COUNTY – Coralie Allen, 31, took more than three weeks to wake up after being knocked unconscious in a violent crash on Highway 366 (Swift Trail), but will see her family and friends again on Monday. I made it.

Her long road to recovery was just beginning, but she stood little chance because doctors were skeptical that Allen would ever regain consciousness.

Allen continued his miraculous recovery in recent days and was released from the intensive care unit (ICU) at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson, where he was flown in the night of the crash. She has been moved to a long-term care facility in nearby Tucson, where she will likely continue her recovery for the next six months to a year. But more than a week ago, Allen’s brother, Adam Rossow, was in discussions with medical staff about terminating her treatment if there was no brain activity.

“Exactly a week and a half ago, I was talking to doctors and nurses about the unplugging process,” Rossow told the Hilla Herald. Have a conversation like that and wrap your head around it.It’s up to you to let her go or let her sit there.”

Deputies were dispatched to the area of ​​Highway 366 and W. Boulder Lane at 9:51 p.m. on May 13 regarding a collision between a pickup truck and a UTV, according to a report from the Graham County Sheriff’s Office. Upon arrival, a GMC truck and a Polaris RZR side-by-his side tangled, the front of the truck embedded in the driver’s side of her UTV, and the deputy found Allen unconscious and bleeding. The lieutenant helped stabilize Allen in a C-Spine collar until she was relieved by firefighters and her EMS personnel.

Rossou was riding another UTV behind his sister and was one of a total of three side-by-sides in the group. He reported that the group went out for a night ride, but Allen’s daughter decided to take her back home after she fell asleep.The girl and Allen’s young niece were riding a Polaris RZR at the time of the crash. rice field. Both were wearing helmets and seat belts. Rossow said he was less than half a mile from his home when he drove past Highway 366 on Mount Graham, just off his market.

“He walked past me as if I was sitting still,” Rossow told the Hilla Herald. “The moment he walked past me, I knew it. I don’t know, but I felt it and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

Rossou saw him continuing to follow his sister’s UTV, which was going about 42 mph when the truck passed him and was about an eighth to a quarter mile ahead on Highway 366. I said I saw

“I saw her brake lights come on and her signal went away,” Rossou said. “And she tried to turn left and he didn’t even hit the brakes…he T-boned her and she took the brunt of[the collision].” He didn’t get into the eastbound lane until he was 20 feet away from her, in my opinion turning in response to her turning. He only appeared to be moving into the eastbound lane after starting to change lanes, not that he was trying to pass her, he was trying to pass her, if she was on the spot If he had stayed in and never turned around, he would still be hitting her.”

Rossow also described the scene he encountered when catching up to the crash site.

“When I got there, his truck was in her driver’s seat and she was in the passenger seat above[her niece],” Rossou said. “The only thing that kept her from being thrown out was the seatbelt. I made sure it was breathing, the RZR was still running and the music was still playing, so I did my best to stop the RZR, and his truck was still inches away steaming. It was emitting smoke and it wasn’t good.”

Allen’s 9-year-old daughter suffered only minor injuries and was in pain. Rossou said she was wearing a helmet and seat belt. Allen’s 12-year-old niece threw off her helmet in the crash and suffered a severe concussion in addition to her seatbelt injuries, but she is expected to make a full recovery.

A sheriff’s office deputy found an open beer in the truck, as well as a “box” of beer and an ice chest full of ice and alcoholic beverages. The agent also said the truck driver, Eloy Raymond Otero, 43, of Safford, had a “moderate odor” of alcoholic beverages emanating from himself.

Otello allegedly told his agent that he and his passenger were up the mountain to talk and were driving past Allen’s UTV at about 55 or 60 mph when it turned to him. increase. He said he passed one of her UTVs and was “slated to pass the rest of her when she (her expletive removed) turned to her right.” Otello and his passenger were not injured. The crash and DUI investigations are ongoing, led by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

According to Rossow, Allen has undergone 10 surgeries since the crash, sustaining injuries to his liver, lower intestine, bladder, colon and lungs, as well as multiple fractures, including a skull fracture, and a brain hemorrhage.

Otello was arrested by an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer on suspicion of DUI and aggravated assault, and a warrant was obtained to secure blood for testing purposes. After securing a sample, Otello was given a copy of the phlebotomy report and booked into Graham County Adult Detention Facility on an unrelated warrant. It may be pending lab test analysis and review by the Graham County Attorney’s Office. Otero’s probation was also recently revoked and he remains in prison.

Rossou is go fund me An account to help with Allen’s medical bills and other needs.In addition, he has several local raffles On August 20th from 5pm to 9pm, fundraising activities including a jumping castle, face painting, 50/50 raffle and cornhole tournament will be held at Thatcher Park.

Safford American Legion Swift Murphy Post 32 will be holding a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for Allen on June 17th from 5pm to 7pm at the Legion next to Safford Pool at 531 S. 11th Ave. Dinner includes a salad, spaghetti with meatballs, and $10 garlic bread. Call today to pre-order at (928) 428-2990. If you have any questions, please contact Tom Sanders at (740) 251-7328.