RSSMcClure girl hit in crosswalk remains in ICU
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YAKIMA, Wash. -- A 10-year-old Yakima girl remained in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after she was hit by an SUV that ran a red light Monday morning.
Police say the 65-year-old driver of a 2002 Ford Ranger apparently did not see a red light and drove through a crosswalk at about 7:10 a.m., as Veronica Gonzalez and her two sisters were walking at Cornell and West Washington avenues.
The driver, David Gotzh of Yakima, was headed east on Washington Avenue toward the rising sun, which hampered his visibility, police said.
Witnesses told police the eastbound traffic signal had turned red and Gonzalez had a northbound walk signal, according to a news release from the Yakima Police Department.
Gotzh has been cooperative with investigators, and police do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor in the accident.
Gonzalez was initially taken to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital but was later flown to the Seattle hospital's trauma center, police said. A hospital spokeswoman said Monday afternoon that the girl is in the intensive care unit.
A school employee said the girl is a student at McClure Elementary School.
Four passers-by stopped to help Gonzalez until emergency personnel arrived. Police reduced Washington Avenue to one traffic lane for four hours.
The investigation remains ongoing.
We have reached the time in the year when the sun is at the worst angle in the mornings, right at the time kids are walking to school. In my neighborhood, the kids pay very little attention to the cars when they cross the streets, and I almost hit one yesterday morning when he just stepped out in front of me with his back turned to me looking for someone behind him. he sun was exactly in my face - visor was useless, and thank God I was using my hand to help me see at all.
It seems as though kids expect the drivers to obey the crosswalk laws automatically, and most drivers do. However, being blinded by the sun directly in your face for the few minutes in the mornings and evenings during the commute at this time of year, makes it nearly impossible for a driver to see much.
Parents and teachers need to remind their kids of this problem, that they make sure of a car's intentions as they cross the street and not just trust the drivers will stop.
Kids are tough - hope she will be alright.
Kids are not savvy cross walk users in this community. In a larger city, children expect cars to run lights and check both ways before they cross - even with the crosswalk lights encouraging their crossing. We need to educate our children in Yakima. Be careful, kids!
I feel Mr. Gotzh's pain here. I was driving into the sun yesterday in a parking lot with three teens walking directly at me. I could barely see them and they were not moving out of the path of the vehicles. I had to swerve entirely around them so I wouldn't hit one. It's a good thing I had my eyes shaded by my hand or I wouldn't have seen them at all! The glare was blinding - sunglasses and visor does not help. Haven't kids learned that they don't walk down the middle of a parking lot? That's what sidewalks are for in town!
Ms. Gonzalez and family: we will be praying for you! Get well soon, little one!
As stated above this is a dangerous time of year with the sun at this particular zenith. We are literally blinded by the sun. Use as much shade as you can. I purchased extended visors with polaroid screening, which I can see through and they work great!
But, it seems that children in this area are not savvy to the dangers. They have not been taught. Children learn the most from ages 0 through 7. This is the time that the parents have the greatest impact. Ignorant parents raise ignorant children. You can not always fault the children.
I pray that she and her family will heal.
I pray that Mr. Gotzh will also heal in mind and soul. God is all forgiving and loves you.
Perhaps if someone is not capable of understanding how DANGEROUS it is to operate a vehicle under limited visibility REGARLESS OF WHAT CAUSES THE LIMITTED VISIBILITY should not be allowed to hold a driver's license!!! That could be have been my child crossing the street. I always have thaught my children to use "crosswalks" wait for the "GREEN" light and cross. I always thought pedestrians had the right of way. I GUESS IN YAKIMA THE VICTIMS ARE AT FAULT FOR THE POOR DRIVER'S LIMITED VISIBILITY OR MAYBE WE SHOULD BLAME THE SUN!
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My name is HILARY GOTZH - I am the DAUGHTER of David Gotzh ( the driver ) . Thank you for the kind thoughts and prayers. As to the people pointing a dirty finger, please take a moment to look at your self in the mirror as no one is perfect. Let me tell you a few things about my father.
He is a good man. The nicest, most caring person you may ever meet. He was a Sgt in the Washington State patrol for over 35 years, and had a absolutely spot free driving record. He would give the shirt off his back to help anyone. He does not drink, does not use drugs of any kind. He is a great father, and his heart is hurting for this child and her family, he feels terrible and prays for her constantly. He is suffering as well, so please refrain from the hurtful comments. When my father hurts, I hurt.
He was there for me every single time I needed him, and he is my hero NO MATTER WHAT.
And regarding a very ignorant comment about insurance: We are a middle class white family WITH EVERY TYPE OF INSURANCE. I suggest you get a clue before making a statement as racist as that is. If you had a brain you would know that is a GERMAN name.
I know you all have a right to an opinion, but please have some respect for him, and us - his family at this time.
Again thank you for the thoughts and prayers. And please pray for Veronica and her family. Thank you.
Drivers are at fault. No excuses. I drive west and east every day. I know where every light is and if I am having trouble with the sun I make a complete stop and make sure before crossing. IF THE SUN IS BLINDING YOU, DO NOT ASSUME THE LIGHT IS GREEN. I hate to say it but the driver is at fault here. Also, everyone knows that schools crossings are full of children during the school year. Slow down.
Report ViolationMy thoughts and prayers Veronica Gonzalez David Gotzh and their families. People commenting should demonstrate respect for both families. Remember "there by the grace of God go I".
Report ViolationI pray for both parties in this accident. For healing for the precious young 10 year old girl, Veronica. For Mr. Gotzh, and for for both families. We all know how tragic accidents can be, and we how they effect both families. I am sure Mr. Gotzh would change places with Veronica if possible.
Not that it changes any circumstances in this accident,
I do have a question though. Why was this girl having to walk to McClure from the area of Ridgeview elementary? Why is she not going to Ridgeview that is obviously closer to her home? That is an awfully long 2.0 mile walk for a child of that age to have to go to school when another elemetary school is right there.
My husband and I have known Dave Gotzh and his wife for a long time. We've known Dave through our Kiwanis Clubs and also before he retired from the State Patrol. We know Connie through Dave. He is a wonderful person and our hearts go out to him and his family. We just can't imagine what he and his family are going through. Our prayers are with them.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gonzalez family. We are hoping that Veronica has a healthy and speedy recovery. Her family must be just beside themselves.
May God bless these two families.
dididget,
please find out why she was going to Mclure and let us all know. I think that will change how I feel about this incident. I am sorry Mr. Gotzh, I dont intend to be rude. It is just that other people make more if this situation than it really is. It was an "accident", which by meaning is nobody's at fault. Prayers to all families.
hgotzh: "And regarding a very ignorant comment about insurance: We are a middle class white family WITH EVERY TYPE OF INSURANCE. I suggest you get a clue before making a statement as racist as that is. If you had a brain you would know that is a GERMAN name."
Hillary,
The person that posted that comment was simply being sarcastic (perhaps very distastefully) in response to the way a lot of folks on here react when a person with Spanish surname is involved in an accident. More specifically, when the person at fault is Hispanic. It doesn't take long before people start questioning legal status, whether they had insurance, a license to drive, etc.
The fact that someone is Hispanic DOESN'T mean that they don't have car insurance, just like the fact that you come from a "middle class white family" doesn't mean that you DO have car insurance. It's silly to assume things either way and very inappropriate to start questioning such things when people have been hurt. Seriously, I'm surprised nobody has asked, "who's going to pay for this little girl's medical bills?” being that her name is Veronica GONZALEZ. It's sick, but there are people on here that do that.
Anyway, I hope your father is doing well and is able to cope with this. I can't imagine how he must feel. I also pray that the little girl and her family make it through okay as well.
I said "middle class white family" to show them that they cant go by a persons name to assume a race or income level.
I have a friend from Hong Kong with a last name of Jones for example...no one would assume he was asian just by his name.
This person was assuming we were a certain demagraphic just by having a Z in our name.
It was no way stating bc we are white and middle class that we are more superior than another. So I apologize if you took it that way (you have to understand how hurtful I some of these comments are to read and I just REACT out of PAIN)
Thank you for the prayers. Who to blame is not the important issue here. The recovery and healing of both sides involved is the most important. I hope this is another reminder to all that your life can change in an instant and you should live and love to the fullest.
hgotzh: "Who to blame is not the important issue here. The recovery and healing of both sides involved is the most important. I hope this is another reminder to all that your life can change in an instant and you should live and love to the fullest."
Completely agree!
Prayers and good thoughts to all. Hold on to hope, never give up and love without conditions, and all will be good. Have faith!
Report ViolationMy thoughts go out to both families, I wish a speedy recovery to the little girl, and healing for Mr. Gotzh. I could not imagine what either family is going through right now.
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