A Vanderhoof man is recovering at the University Hospital of Northern B.C. (UNHBC) in Prince George following a collision between his vehicle and a semi-truck on Highway 16.
On Jan. 3 at about 10 a.m. Tyler Johns was driving east on Highway 16 between Vanderhoof and Prince George when the accident occurred.
“It was just a complete white-out that day, the weather was really bad,” said his sister-in-law, Kenisha Mei.
She says the roads were sheer ice and the snowfall was so thick that multiple vehicles had slid into the ditch.
Luckily, a retired paramedic named Mike Rydl, was travelling in the opposite direction and stopped to make sure everyone was okay.
Rydl checked on Johns’ vehicle and helped him continue breathing and prevented him from becoming hypothermic until paramedics could arrive on scene.
“If it wasn't for him Tyler probably would have died of hypothermia, because he was just sitting there with his t-shirt on totally exposed. That gentleman, the good Samaritan, he stayed until the emergency crews got there,” added Mei.
Johns sustained multiple injuries, including a fracture to his skull, ribs, and a brain injury. His family says his long road of recovery is hopeful, and he is progressing well at UHNBC.
They have now set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds associated with his recovery.
Johns has his own construction business, often traveling between Vanderhoof and Vancouver, but given the extent of his injuries his, Mei says he may not be able to work for the next year.
“His wife is dealing with a lot of medical stuff as well right now, including cancer, so she's off work and he was their main support,” added Mei.
To prevent them losing their home, the funds will be allocated to paying their mortgage and bills as well as the accommodations in Prince George while they are away from their home in Vanderhoof.
“He has a long road to recovery and these funds will be allocated to support the family while he focuses on rehabilitation over the next year,” said Mei, adding that Johns and his wife have been relying on community support as extended family is not close by.
Mei drove in from Alberta to support her sister and their mother is currently on her way from Ontario.
“The collaborative teamwork from the amazing emergency response team and Mike, a true hero who will never be forgotten, all played a role in keeping Tyler here with us,” said Mei, adding she hopes his story serves as a reminder of how dangerous severe weather conditions are and how quickly accidents can happen.
“We would also like to remind everyone of the dangers of highway 16 and to remain mindful of the risks involved when traveling, especially with heavy snowfall conditions.”
The GoFundMe campaign has already raised $11,580 of its $20,000 goal and those who wish to contribute to the campaign can do so here.
