The Arizona Department of Public Safety was investigating a collision near Benson involving a semitruck and a DPS vehicle that seriously injured a state trooper.
The collision occurred around 9:40 a.m. Sept. 28 on eastbound Interstate 10 at milepost 302 near Benson, DPS said in a news release. Benson is about 45 miles southeast of Tucson.
The trooper was still hospitalized, so was not yet being publicly identified, spokesperson Bart Graves said.
The driver of the semi was not injured, he said.
The trooper's mother, Tracy McAdams, however, identified the trooper as Owen McAdams in a GoFundMe page created for the trooper and his fiancée, Melanie, to help cover costs related to his recovery.
She called the accident one of the scariest days of their
family's lives, according to the GoFundMe.
Owen McAdams was conscious and talking when he arrived at the hospital. His brain and spine were unharmed, Tracy McAdams wrote.
But Owen McAdams "suffered two dislocated knees, severe fractures in both legs, and other injuries. He has undergone multiple procedures, including surgery on one of his legs so far, and faces a long, painful road to walk again," Tracy McAdams said on GoFundMe.
Owen McAdams has the "full support" of DPS, Tracy McAdams wrote. His medical expenses were covered "indefinitely," and his pay is covered for a "substantial amount of time," she wrote.
The Arizona State Troopers Association also shared its support on Facebook.
"This accident will still bring additional costs for Owen and his fiancée, Melanie, including extra therapy as needed, possible missed work for Melanie, transportation, meals, and other needs during his recovery," Tracy McAdams wrote.
The Arizona Republic reached out to Tracy McAdams, but she did not immediately respond to a request for an interview.
"Through it all, Owen has remained strong and grateful to be alive. He continues to inspire us with his sense of humor and determination to heal and return to the work he loves. He truly loves what he does," the GoFundMe said.
The investigation into the crash was ongoing, Graves said.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: DPS trooper faces long road to walk again after I-10 crash, mom says
