A Georgia grandfather was struck and killed by an ambulance while he was on the side of the road trying to help his 17-year-old grandson after his car broke down.
John Martin, 66, was dragged under the ambulance after the vehicle struck him and his grandson, Conner, near Atlanta Highway and Whitehead Road, WSB-TV reported.
‘There was a body under the ambulance,’ witness Jennifer Wise said, explaining it was very rainy and foggy.
‘I saw the EMT driver open his door and the look on his face was just utter shock.’
Georgia State Patrol said the Northeast Georgia Medical Center ambulance first struck Conner’s car, pinning both the teen and his grandfather.
Conner survived the crash and is in an Atlanta children’s hospital recovering from his injuries.
‘Our hearts go out to everyone involved in the accident and their loved ones,’ a Northeast Georgia Health System spokesperson said in a statement.
‘We are cooperating with the accident investigation and providing mental and emotional support to staff members who have been impacted.’
Jennifer Martinez, Martin’s daughter and Conner’s mother, was left devastated over the crash.
Conner, 17, and John Martin, 66, were hit by an ambulance on a Georgia road. Conner was injured and Martin died
Jennifer Martinez, Martin’s daughter and Conner’s mother, said Martin was ‘always there for everyone’ and that ‘he would help anybody’
‘He was a good papa and a great dad,’ Martinez said of Martin. ‘He loved hunting and fishing and he would help anybody. It doesn’t matter what time, where, how much. He was always there.’
‘He was always there for everyone. The kindest man, funny, big heart and everyone he knew is going to miss him dearly,’ Martinez added.
As Conner recovers, his friends and family have him on their mind.
‘It was all just really sad to hear,’ said Mady Morrow, who is Conner’s coworker. ‘I’m there rooting for him and my whole family is as well. We love him like a son.’
Conner has multiple lacerations, internal bleeding, and a broken clavicle, Martinez said.
He has undergone a three-and-a-half hour surgery, but Martinez said he is doing better.
Georgia State Patrol said charges were pending against the EMT driver involved in the crash.
