78-year-old Speed Week racer broke 12 bones in Bonneville Salt Flats crash

Jerry K. Wortman and the Bonneville Salt Flats. Photos: Facebook, Wikipedia

BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS, Tooele County, Utah, Aug. 22, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — The 78-year-old Speed Week racer critically injured when he rolled his car while traveling at nearly 180 mph is out of intensive care, according to Facebook posts from friends.

Peter Henderickson posted to the Bonneville Land Speed Racer Facebook page last week:

I spoke with fellow Montanans Linda and Jerry Wortman this morning. As you know Jerry was involved in a massive rollover accident on the short course at 178 MPH this week. His injuries include — 

12 broken bones
3 cervical spine
3 thorasic spine
4 broken ribs
1 Left knee cap
1 tibia
Ligament tear
Right shoulder tear

He also has hematoma on right side of brain which may require surgery if medication does not resolve the issue.

Jerry is a tough guy with an infectious spirit, and even though he’s 78, Linda said “at least he’ll set a record for getting out of the hospital.”

Linda also said they appreciated all of the support on Facebook. Please send your love and prayers for a quick recovery.”

Hendrickson updated the post Sunday, adding that Wortman was moved out of the Intensive Care Unit.

The Montana Dodge Boys Fast Four Special Facebook page posted a similar message and injury list.

Jerry K. Wortman, 78, a retired pilot from Big Sky, Montana, was critically injured in the accident which happened at about 12:50 p.m. Aug. 15 on the famed Bonneville Salt Flats.

Wortman’s friends posted his speed at the time of the crash was 178 mph.

1 COMMENT

  1. Presently I’m at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Mn as an outpatient.
    I’m pushing my wheelchair rather than Linda pushing me.
    Doctors tell me that they expect a 100% recovery.
    The major concern is a blood clot on my brain. They expect that in time it will assimilate in my body
    My rationale is that the clot was there prior to the accident and was the reason I wasn’t smart enough to lift when I realized the car was getting sideways.
    Jerry

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