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On Thursday March 10 2005, at around 10:00 PM, 21 year old Nick Ruppert was on his way home from work at the Kerr Cultural Center in Scottsdale, AZ. While crossing N. Scottsdale Rd. in the crosswalk at Rose Lane, he was struck by a vehicle moving southbound on Scottsdale Rd. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene.
Nick was rushed to Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn ICU with severe head trauma. Most of the major bones on the right side of his body were broken, including his femur, pelvis, elbow and collarbone. He also had torn and damaged ligaments in his left knee.
Special thanks to 23 year old SSgt USAF Firefighter/EMT Scott Brady, visiting home from Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Scott arrived at the accident and within seconds restored Nick's heart beat and breathing until the aid unit arrived. Scott's actions saved Nick's life that night. Huge thanks also to Chris Salinas, who risked his own life to stop traffic and call 911.
Witnesses described the vehicle as a small SUV. One witness described the vehicle as a light pink GEO TRACKER with colorful graphics on the sides. It would likely have sustained damage to the front end, although no broken glass was found at the scene. So it's probable that the windshield and headlights were still intact following the accident. We are asking that anyone who may have any information at all about this vehicle or its driver please call Silent Witness (480-WITNESS, 1-800-343-TIPS) or Scottsdale Police.
On Thursday March 17, a candlelight vigil was held for Nick at the Kerr Center. There, Nick's friend Tim Gault had these very heartfelt and touching words to say:
It is with many heavy hearts that we are gathered here on this corner. Every
foot another memory, every step another thought. The candles that we hold
signify the hope that we all carry inside. Hope for the future, hope for
recovery, hope for normalcy. Events that hit this close to home put the
lives we live in perspective. The widely used cliche suddenly becomes a
harsh reality. The vulnerability of human existence is in an instant center
stage. It is hard to put into words the way we all feel inside. The little
things we think of now keep our hopes alive. And when Nick wakes up he'll
probably laugh at the charade because he knew all along that everything
would be okay. I know that he can hear us when we talk to him in his room.
He shows us time and time again when he responds with a small twitch or
movement that he wants to be with us again and end this painful dance that
we have all been forced to endure. The things we do now become even more
important than before. All at once we start to analyze every decision we
make, every step forward that we take. So tonight we will hold our beers
high in celebration of Nick, waiting for him to come back, back into our
lives. Here's to U, Rupe!
On July 7, 2005, Nick was discharged from the Barrow Neurological Hospital. He still must use a wheelchair when he leaves the house, and has difficulty speaking clearly, but continues to work hard on on his rehabilitation. In the fall of 2007 he was able to start a class at ASU, and continues to dream of graduating someday. The driver of the vehicle that struck Nick has still not been identified. If you have any information about this incident, please call Silent Witness at 1 800 343-8477.
Thanks for checking in on Nick's progress, and for your continued prayers and support. It is working! Keep checking , we'll update with new info as we have it.
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