ST. GEORGE — The man who survived a collision when a buck slammed into his truck Wednesday morning is still in serious condition at Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George.
James H. Griffith, 75, of Veyo, suffered a shattered jaw and 10 broken ribs, along with various other minor injuries, his daughter Wendy Hullinger said Friday. Griffith was taken by Life Flight to the hospital and is currently in the intensive care unit in an induced coma.
Griffith was allowed to come out of the coma last night to see his daughters, who gathered by his bedside Thursday night.
Hullinger said her father is a tough man.
“He steered the truck over to the right shoulder after the collision,” she said, “and tried to communicate with the first responders through his shattered jaw.”
Initial reports stated that Griffith had suffered a gash in his neck from the antler of the buck. Hullinger said the antler did not sever any vital arteries or the windpipe but penetrated the soft part under his chin and jaw, which resulted in the gash and shattered jaw.
“He’s a farmer, he has a little farm out by Veyo,” Hullinger said. “He was driving into the city, he was working on an Advent calendar for Christmas and was going to get some pictures of Christ for his grandchildren.”
Griffith has 10 granddaughters, Hullinger said.
Griffith has been involved in many things in St. George, recently working with the crew that installed the Christmas lights at the St. George temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hullinger said her father has been a Cub Scout leader his whole life and has lived his life to reach out to others.
He has a rough road ahead of him, Hullinger said of her father. He will have quite a rehabilitation ahead of him “if he can make it through the next few days,” she said.
“We love our father so much,” she said. “The support we are receiving from friends, family, and community is such a comfort and is strengthening us all so much during this difficult time. This weekend will be pivotal for him. We are asking for lots of prayers.”
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The deer lost its life. !
It’s unusual to see a deer during the day, mostly dusk time,, I would drive slower, and have the gadget attached on hood to prevent deer nearby.. Guess that’s one isf the reason I din,t live out there either.. Prayers for him.. A chiropractor can use sport tape and hold the ribs in place for less pain too.
Prayers to this man and his family. Ten broken ribs makes me cringe in pain.
My sympathy to the deer’s family