- Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Notifications
Clear all
Topic starter
09/22/2013 11:53 am
Hey Gang,
Kevin Westmoreland and Jack Gilliam came together in a bad way over the double jump after the two lanes merge adjacent to the finish line. Sorry I don't have an update on Jack but Kevin did not take a dirt nap and eventually walked back to his pit with lots of help. After the crowd there had his stuff loaded I offered to drive him home and come back later to get my van. He told me that he was OK to drive home (we both live in Ridgecrest). Marty and I questioned that decision and we waited a while to make sure. He did seem fine and then he took off on his own by himself. I told him to call me when he got to Mojave no matter what. The call came a little sooner. He only made it to Rosamond. He got dizzy while driving and couldn't concentrate and called me and 911. When I pulled into the Foster Freeze they were loading him into an ambulance for a ride to the AV hospital, where he is right now and will stay the night at least. He has some good company with Shanie and Steve and Cherrie Hollands and others. No details on his condition and I will let others report out on that when they know more.
As I was wondering how I was going to get two vehicles to Ridgecrest by myself, a Ridgecrest couple whom I recognized pulled into the Foster Freeze and between the three of us we got Kevin's truck and Bike and stuff to his place. I am standing by for updates like you are.
I feel foolish for letting Kevin talk me into the fact that he was OK to drive home. I want to impress on everybody that after someone has been through a traumatic event like that crash, they simply don't have the judgement that they think they have. We cannot let them take off by themselves if there is any doubt whatsoever in anybody's mind that they are capable to do so safely. Before Kevin left the track Marty looked me in the eye and asked me if I thought he was OK and I said that I thought he was. I was wrong. I don't want any of you to be in that situation, but if you ever are please error on the side of conservatism. It could save someone's life.
Tommy
09/22/2013 12:02 pm
Good advice Tommy. We're all fortunate that Kevin walked away from the crash - it certainly was no joke. Godspeed on your recovery Kevin! You too Jack!
09/22/2013 12:11 pm
Here to a speedy recovery Kevin and to Tommy for being a class act in taking care of Kevin's stuff
09/22/2013 12:36 pm
Just to emphasize Tommy's point. Some of you will remember the bone head move I pulled at Comp Edge a few years ago collecting Tom Dunham on the backside of a double. Long story short Linda Thomas took charge and looked me over. She asked me if I was OK and if I thought I needed an ambulance, My response "Nah I'm OK just give me a minuet. Her response "Dennis I already called one" one minuet later sirens. Collapsed lung, broken ribs, three day in the hospital. Nuf said.
Some years ago we are racing at Mammoth. Guy in our club takes a digger, says he doesn't need to go to the hospital, but could use a ride home. Around Ridgecrest he starts to feel faint and says to the driver you better get me to a hospital. He's diagnosed with internal bleeding and the Dr. says that if they hadn't got him in he had about another 30 minuets to live.
Lets be smart 🙂
09/22/2013 1:06 pm
tommy
that was a hard hit he took please keep us up to date on his status..
thank
roger
09/22/2013 1:26 pm
Hey Kev sorry to here you went down. Hope your ok. You know I live here in palmdale so if you need anything I'm Here for you.
Vince 571g
09/22/2013 1:44 pm
Just called the hospital, got a nurse on the phone who was less than helpful. After having to become very abrupt she said that Kevin has lost a lot of blood, and seemed to have a hematoma on his abdomen.
I imagine the blood loss was internal. The nurse mentioned that they were considering surgery.
That's the best I could get out of her, this report should be taken with a grain of salt, the nurse was less than accommodating.
09/22/2013 2:48 pm
Kevin, sorry to hear about your accident. The Cosaert family wishing you the best and a very speedy recovery.
Cosaert 929g
09/22/2013 3:00 pm
Kevin &Jack hope you guys heal up soon
Elvis 537g
Viva Las Vegas
09/23/2013 12:12 am
We are praying for you Kevin
Bob & Valerie
09/23/2013 12:32 am
Hello All,
Cherie, Shanee, and I spent some time in the trauma room last night with Kevin. The took some X-rays while we were there, and his organs appear to be alright. He does have some internal bleeding and possibly some broken bones in his left hand. They were prepping him for surgery but they want to observe him for a bit more. All and all, it looks like he'll make a full recovery. As of last night, he was still waiting for a room...it may take a while before they find him one.
I'll keep you posted as I find out more.
Steve
09/23/2013 1:24 am
Get better Kevin, and Jack also. hope to see both you guys get well soon.
And hope Danny is feeling better today too.
09/23/2013 1:42 am
Kevin, Jack & Danny,
Hope you heal up & have a full recovery.
09/23/2013 1:45 am
Guys, real bummer to hear bout your crash.
Heal up quickly
09/23/2013 3:44 am
I got a text from Kevin this morning. He has a fractured finger and his stomach is bleeding. They are evaluating the need for surgery on his stomach. Playing the waiting game for now but is doing ok considering.
My best wishes to Jack and the support riders who were injured.
Marty
Page 1 / 3
Next
