SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Oct. 26, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — A man critically injured Thursday in a Millard County wrong-way crash has been identified as Salt Lake City firefighter and EMT Andy Maxwell.
The accident happened at 5:15 a.m. when a Toyota Corolla traveling south in a northbound lane of Interstate 15 struck a Dodge pickup traveling north in the correct lane.
“The two vehicles struck head-on,” a Utah Highway Patrol statement says.
“The driver of the Toyota (Melissa MacDonald, 55, from North Miami, Florida) and a juvenile passenger of the Dodge truck were killed in the crash, the driver and two juvenile passengers of the truck were transported to several hospitals with serious injuries.”
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall posted on social media about Maxwell.
“We’re rallying around @slcfire Fire Engineer Andy Maxwell and his family as they face an unimaginable road to recovery after last week’s tragic accident,” she posted on X. “Engineer Maxwell has given so much to protect our SLC community, and now he needs our support. I am sending my deepest wishes for healing and strength to Andy, his family, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking incident. Salt Lake City stands with you.”
A fundraising account posted by Kristin Maxwell, who says Andy is her brother, offers more details, saying Maxwell was airlifted to Utah Valley Hospital, “where he remains in serious condition.”
“In just a few days, Andy has already undergone three major surgeries, but his fight is far from over. Each day brings new challenges, and the road ahead is daunting.
“Andy is more than just a firefighter and EMS worker — he’s a hero. For over 20 years, he’s run toward danger while others ran away, always ready to risk his life to save others. But now, the man who has dedicated his life to protecting and caring for others is the one in need of help.”
“He’s a devoted father to three young children, the sole provider for his family, and the kind of person who never hesitates to help those in need. Whether as a father, uncle, brother, son or friend, Andy’s heart has always been wide open to everyone around him.
“The road to recovery will be long and painful. Andy faces many more surgeries in the coming weeks and months, and it will be at least six months before he may even begin to walk again. His life has been irrevocably changed, and the physical and emotional pain he’s enduring is unimaginable.”
The fundraising account is asking for donations to help pay for treatment of Maxwell’s injuries, which include significant damage to his spine and leg.
“The medical bills and rehabilitation costs are staggering, but even more overwhelming is the emotional toll this has taken on Andy and his family … Please join us in supporting Andy on this difficult journey. Together, we can help him stand strong once again.”
As in all cases, Gephardt Daily cannot guarantee funds will be used in the way stated. To check out the account for yourself, click here.
A page update says the 10-year-old boy who died was the son of Maxwell’s sister-in-law, and that her daughter was also injured in the crash. It provides that family’s GoFundMe page for more information.
The update also shares details about Maxwell’s injuries.
“His spine was broken in three places — T1, L2, and L5 — with the L5 vertebra shattered. After an intense surgery to fuse part of his spine, he’s finally experiencing some relief, yet the road ahead remains incredibly tough. Both of Andy’s legs and feet were severely injured, including multiple fractures, dislocations, and a compound fracture in his right leg. To date, he’s had two surgeries to begin repairing the damage, and several more are scheduled for the coming weeks….
“Andy is truly moved by the love from each of you. Your generosity has not only touched him but has given all of us a sense of hope we couldn’t have found alone.”
