Posted on 09/13/2005 1:27:09 PM PDT by Millee
A tourist from New Hampshire was killed Monday as he attempted to stop a car carrying his 2½ old son from rolling down an embankment.
Park rangers said John Whatmough, 32, of Nashua had gotten out of their Hyundai Santa Fe on Old Fall River Road about one-half mile above Chasm Falls. He and his wife left their son in the back seat, restrained in a child safety seat, while they were taking photos.
According to investigators, the vehicle began to roll backwards and Whatmough attempted to stop the car by opening the driver's door.
The car rolled backward, pulling him 25 feet down a steep, rocky embankment.
The vehicle came to a rest on all four wheels and the child was not injured.
Whatmough died at the accident scene from multiple traumatic injuries, rangers said.
Old Fall River Road is a narrow, unpaved one-way road that leads to the Alpine Visitors Center on Trail Ridge Road.
Most Hyundai Santa Fe's are automatic. Bet this was one as well. The transmission may have slipped out of "park".
All mistakes are stupid when viewed w/ 20/20 hindsight, else they would be "lucky breaks".
Regards,
GtG
Good God.
Perhaps. That's why you also set the brake. And OBTW, don't forget your Driver's Ed lessons, and turn the wheel so that the rolling car backs into the side of the hill.
If you're looking for the definition of love, the article just gave it.
I John 3:16
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
I don't know if I realize a miracle if I saw one, but it'd be nice to think that God saved the child's life since the father gave his.
to true.
Very sad, but that was a good one.
Or the very least, mention it to someone else.
Very sad, but that was a good one.
A good one? Nothing good can be said about this story. You may want to apologize to yourself for even responding to that no-class comment.
Faulty automatic transmission kills again.
TO CTLPDAD and EVERYONE HERE: I've read all the comments posted here and while most were thoughtful and kind, I found some comments to be disrespectful and plain ugly (you all know who you are). I knew John Whatmough (pronounced "what-maw" to set the record straight) personally, him and his wife are friends of mine. John was an incredible person who loved his family dearly, a good husband and father. His child WAS in his car seat, don't doubt that for a second. The comment about John obviously not being in one angered me the most. Not funny and it didn't need to be said. This tragedy has left those of us who knew him grappling with shock and dismay. Prayers are needed at this time, and anyone who makes jokes or sarcastic comments about this situation or other tragedies ought to be ashamed of themselves.
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