On Wednesday, July 16, 2008, Patrick was riding his bike to go swimming before he started his day at nursing school (he only has a couple of weeks left of school until he graduates). Around 5:40 am, he was hit by a car (around 17500 Cleveland Rd). The driver did not stop. There were no eye witnesses. A nearby resident heard the crash and came out to investigate. The resident found Pat laying next to his severely mangled bike. The car was no where to be found. 911 was called. Pat had on strobe lights, reflective vest, and helmet.
He was taken to Memorial Hospital. Pat was extremely confused at this point, but conscious. He did not know who he was or what happened. They took him down for a CT. The neurosurgeon decided that surgery was needed.
Pat is now in a drug induced coma. They guess he will be in a coma for about a week. It can be several weeks. They want him to have very little stimulation.
Thursday afternoon, the driver turned himself in. The police did not charge him with anything. They are turning it over to the prosecutor.
This is Julie. I am Pat’s sister-in-law, Nancy’s sister. Please write in with comments. This will be our journal to keep track of what’s going on. When Pat wakes up from all of this, I’m sure he will want the details of what happened and he would also love to see everyone’s comments. If you have any questions, please ask. I want to get all the information out there, but I feel like I’m still missing a lot. Thank you for your prayers and positive thoughts.
As soon as I heard what happened, I prayed for you folks. I don’t even know Pat personally, but the newspaper coverage of his exploits on the river helped me to make the decision to buy a kayak and start paddling, an experience that gives me joy every time I do it. I am also a regular cyclist, and I know how scary it can be trying to share roads with cars and trucks.
I also know that Pat has never been selfish with his advice, guidance, and passion for paddlesports, and I would imagine there are hundreds, if not thousands of people out here pulling for his complete recovery, as am I.
Please let us know if there is any way we can assist your family in this time.
A.
My heart aches for the pain and uncertainty that your family is going through, but I also have a lightness because I know who you rely on, and He is so awesome and so good.
We’ll be praying for Patrick and the family. You have friends who want to help – please call. Let us support you during this time.
Amy J. Milliman
i’ve known Pat since he was in the fifth grade in Kokomo. He and his brother Dan were very good friends of mine growing up. I just want to tell him and his family that I am thinking of them and praying for them. Hang in there Pat. Phil
I am one of Patrick’s professors at the IUSB School of Nursing, teaching his final courses before his graduation in August. I haven’t known him for very long, but already know what an awesome man he is, and what a great nurse he is going to be. All of us at the school of nursing are praying for Pat and all of his family. If there is anything, no matter how large or small, that we can do to help your family in any way, please don’t hesitate to call on us. We are trying very hard to take good care of Pat’s classmates, who are so very concerned about him.
Next time I post, I’ll tell the story of how 2 weeks ago, Patrick took off his shirt to dry off after riding into school, and his bare chest made our secretary trip and fall!!!
I’m not surprised that the driver was not charged. This is the fourth incident (that I am personally aware of) where the motorist was obviously at fault when running into a cyclist, but was not charged at the time of the accident.
I would like to know what the Indiana guidelines are for issuing citations for ‘failure to yield right-of-way’.
This is Sue Anderson. Pat was in my Community Health class in the Spring. I am so sorry to hear about his accident, and want him, and his family, to know that I am praying for him.
I knew Patrick from school. He is a hard worker and great person. I was devastated to hear about the accident. I wish the best for him and his family. They are in my thoughts and prayers.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I’m happy we got to see all of you recently.
Pat, Nancy, kids and family, May God bless you in your great time of need. Keep looking up. God is the Great Healer. We ask for wisdom and guidance for you and the physicians. Yes this will be a marathon not a sprint. Keep a steady pace, strong endurance and know theat there may be log jams and snags ahead. Grant grace for those around you, and remember the little blessings. We love you. Steve, Kris, Nathan and Micah Peterson and extended family
I’ve seen in alot of Illinois cities and other cities in other states that they have special bicycle lanes directly designed for bicycles only, if a auto is caught in those bicycle lanes they are ticketed, that is what we need in the area, unknown if Michiana has those, but would be a great idea for the area.
Godspeed to the family of Patrick, being he is physically active he will pull out of this and I am praying he will and also praying for the family of Pat, whenever I see a bike rider that when caution kicks in, share the road wherever you are, thats the ticket, everyone has the right to use the road, not just the drivers of vehicles!!!
I have come to know Pat over the last four years as we have shared many classes together. Early in the mornings during the semesters it would just be Pat and I in the Northside Café studying for the day’s exams, quizzes or to just extend our knowledge base. We would discuss the current material being studied or talk about our families and future plans in the making. Pat’s love for his family and the environment is one truly to be modeled. My prayers are extended to Pat and his family.
Well Nancy you know all of us (classmates) are praying for Patrick and your family. Thank you for keeping us updated and know we are here for anything you need!
Nancy- I am sorry to hear about your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
May God Bless You and Your Family!
Tony Maichen
“St. Joe class of 85”