Georgia, USA — A 66-year-old grandfather was tragically killed after being struck by an ambulance while assisting his teenage grandson whose car had broken down on the roadside.
The victim, identified as John Martin, was helping his 17-year-old grandson, Conner, near Atlanta Highway and Whitehead Road when the incident occurred. According to reports, the ambulance, operated by the Northeast Georgia Medical Center, first struck the grandson’s vehicle before hitting both individuals.
Witnesses described chaotic and distressing scenes at the site of the crash. One bystander, Jennifer Wise, said visibility was poor due to heavy rain and fog.
“There was a body under the ambulance,” she said, adding that the EMT driver appeared visibly shocked after the incident.
Authorities from the Georgia State Patrol confirmed that both Martin and his grandson were pinned during the collision. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene, while Conner survived and has been admitted to a children’s hospital in Atlanta, where he is currently recovering from his injuries.
Conner sustained multiple lacerations, internal bleeding, and a broken clavicle, according to his mother. He has undergone a three-and-a-half-hour surgery and is now reported to be in improving condition.
In a heartfelt tribute, Martin’s daughter Jennifer Martinez described her father as a devoted and compassionate man.
“He was a good papa and a great dad,” she said. “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,” she added.
Friends and family continue to rally around Conner as he recovers. His coworker, Mady Morrow, expressed support, saying, “It was all just really sad to hear. I’m there rooting for him and my whole family is as well. We love him like a son.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Northeast Georgia Health System said, “Our hearts go out to everyone involved in the accident and their loved ones,” adding that the organization is cooperating fully with the investigation and providing emotional support to affected staff.
The Georgia State Patrol confirmed that charges are pending against the EMT driver involved in the crash. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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