I'm reaching out for help. My sister, Amber, was critically injured in a bike crash this afternoon. (Wed, 4/12/17, around 2-3pm, somewhere along the South Side portion of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.) She sustained serious head injuries, but the trauma doctors believe she will make a full recovery over the coming months. We don't know when she will be able to speak (right now she's nonverbal), and/or if she will remember the circumstances of the crash. According to UPMC, a bystander called 911 and EMS, who identified her only as Jane Doe and rushed her to the trauma center. We have not been able to find more details from Ambulance and Police dispatch yet, perhaps because the hospital did not ID her via her belongings until hours after she had already been in their care.
So I'm hoping to crowd-source information from anyone here who may have witnessed or heard about the crash. We were told the park and trails were busy today, but no one gave their information to the Police or EMS or the hospital (as far as we know).
I'm also eager to locate Amber's bike, as it may provide clues to the nature and circumstances of her accident. I haven't been able to confirm which of her bikes she was riding today, but I believe it was either a White Specialized or a Light Gold Specialized. (Both trail/mountain hybrids. Sorry that I don't know models; she's a regional 24-hour adventure team racer.) I haven't kept up with her bike garage, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you find a damaged and abandoned bike on the South Side of different make/model.
According to the hospital, Amber was wearing a white helmet, which was severely damaged. I do not know if the accident/collision type would have produced additional debris. I think her cleats and most of her clothing were still on her by the time EMS arrived on scene. But we do think its likely she was delusional, so she may have dropped or discarded some of her other personal effects.
THANK YOU so much for your help. I will try to check this message board a few times a day. You can also reach me at clitesbr(at)gmail(dot)com.
P.S. This is my first time on the site so my apologies if there was already a better thread to post this within. I only knew to start here because Gerry, a friendly BikePgh member who I met when looking late tonight along the trails, suggested the community to me.
brian-c
2017-04-13 02:01:21
UPDATE: I mis-stated the missing bike make/model. I checked her garage and the Specialized models are both accounted for. So that means she was on her trail bike today: a White Trek with blue lettering. (Again, sorry I don't know the model.) TYIA if you find the bike or have any information.
brian-c
2017-04-13 02:20:26
Hey, Brian. Very sorry to read about your sister, and I hope she recovers well.
I don't have much to offer but... I took a short segment of the Southside trail eastbound from 18th Street to Hotmetal Wednesday from 2:38 to 2:43pm. I didn't notice anything odd or out of place. Aside from other light traffic, I recall passing a pair of westbound female recreational riders around the area across from 24th Street, but I couldn't give you any more description than that. Probably not Amber, but I figure it's worth mentioning.
Best wishes.
ornoth
2017-04-13 08:46:44
Brian, - we met last night on the Southside Trail. I rode through again this morning all the way to the Smithfield Bridge and did not see anything.
durishange
2017-04-13 09:20:30
Brian,
My name is Alex, I'm the marketing and communications manager at BikePGH. I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I hope she has a quick recovery. I shared your story on our Facebook and Twitter page. If I hear anything I will be sure to let you know. Please send me an email at
alexandria@bikepgh.org
ashewczyk
2017-04-13 10:41:43
There was a policeman controlling traffic at the Hot Metal Street Crossing around 4PM. I thought there had been some complaints and the City was finally putting him there for some better traffic control--especially during rush hour. He was leaving when I crossed. That's all I saw. I'm sure you've talked to the police, but I would suspect they should have some idea.
yalecohen
2017-04-13 11:21:12
Hi Alex, Gerry, Ornoth, & durishange,
Thank you all for your help. I just got in touch with EMS, who in turn put me in contact with the Lt. at Fire Station #24.He was a first responder and had some additional information. The fire crew also recovered her bike.The crash was near a dirt jump along the path somewhere relatively close to the 18th St. Access & parking lot. They do not think a motor vehicle or other bikes were involved. The jump-ramp was a routine for Amber, but It seems feasible that she approached it too aggressively or simply made a mistake yesterday. We won't know for sure until she wakes up in a few days. Police and fire do not expect foul play.
So far as the responders could discern, no one saw the crash. Fortunately, however, a number of bikers passed by the scene shortly thereafter, called 911, and helped transport Amber and her bike to the ambulance at 18th Street.
To those good summaritans: my family and I cannot thank you enough.
I will update as Amber recovers and if I learn anything new regarding her crash. And I'm sure she will want to thank everyone when she's well enough to do so. She bikes more than 15hrs/wk, so I'm guessing she knows some of you by sight if not by name.
Again, my sincerest thanks.
brian-c
2017-04-13 11:25:06
Thanks Iguana. I think central fire filed a report. I really appreciate your help. I'm from out of town but it's so heartwarming to see the strong community here at pghbikes.
brian-c
2017-04-13 11:30:55
Thanks for sharing this. I think we're all glad to hear that it wasn't worse, and no foul play seems to have been involved. It's great to hear that she's expected to make a full recovery.
jonawebb
2017-04-13 11:39:29
