Help Gabe Recover After a Life-Changing Accident

A parent’s worst nightmare. A mother’s gut instinct.

On Saturday, August 23rd, at 8:30 a.m., I received the call no parent ever wants to get.

A gentle voice on the other end said:

“Hello, is this Marissa? I’m a social worker at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah. Your son Gabriel was in a motor vehicle accident and flown in. He’s being assessed in our emergency room.”

In less than 10 minutes, Eric and I were on the road, making the 6.5-hour drive to Utah—our minds racing, our hearts bracing for the unknown.

As we drove, calls came in from law enforcement officers who had been at the scene. They spoke cautiously, unsure what we knew, trying to prepare us while still processing the severity of what had happened themselves.

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The Truck That Carried a Family

Many of you know Mr. Truckie—our family’s silver F-250 diesel with the red camper shell. Hard to miss. A part of our family since 2005. It pulled horse trailers across Southern California, took us on our first camping adventures, and even brought Eric’s father home from the hospital before he passed. In 2016, it carried us across the country. That truck had stories.

Mr. Truckie’s last call of duty was saving Gabe’s life.

Just 10 miles from his destination, Gabe fell asleep at the wheel.

The truck flipped.

Gabe’s head was pinned between the roof and the center console, with the steering wheel pressed into his thigh. Dangling upside down, helpless, he overheard rescuers say:

“It’s on fire—does anyone have a fire extinguisher?”

He could feel the heat on his head. And there was nothing he could do.

Good Samaritans stopped and called 911. Emergency crews worked for over an hour to get him out.

When they finally pulled him free, Gabe asked if he could walk.

A firefighter quickly replied, “Heck no!” — then picked him up like a rag doll and placed him on a stretcher. Off to the helicopter he went.

As someone with a deep love for aviation, Gabe was a little bummed he didn’t get to see the cockpit or instruments during the flight — a moment of levity in an otherwise terrifying day.

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A Miracle

At the hospital, tests began. And one by one, the results came back:

• ✅ No fractures

• ✅ No internal bleeding

• ✅ No spinal fluid leaks

• ✅ No brain bleeds

There was no medical reason to keep him.

Gabe was discharged with:

• A laceration on his ear that needed two sutures

• Cuts on his hands and arms

• A deeply bruised body

• And a heart full of gratitude to be alive

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Why We’re Asking for Help

We are beyond thankful that Gabe is still with us.

But now we’re facing:

• Medical bills

• Emergency transport (life flight) costs

• Navigating complex insurance

• Replacing the totaled vehicle he depended on

If you’re able to help—through a donation or even just by sharing this page—we would be forever grateful. Every bit makes a difference as we walk this unexpected road to recovery.

Thank you for your love, support, and prayers.

With all our hearts,

The Glomboske Family