On Saturday afternoon March 7, 2026, my father, Dan Wittenmeyer Sr., was involved in a tragic accident at home. While working in his beloved garage, an air compressor fell on top of him, causing him to fall, hit his head, and become pinned underneath it. Thankfully, my mom found him and immediately called 911. While she was on the phone, he became unresponsive, stopped breathing, and went into cardiac arrest. First responders worked tirelessly from Cotuit/COMM to Cape Cod Hospital, where they were able to restore his heartbeat. He later suffered seizures and was placed into a medically induced coma to help stabilize him. Scans showed no brain bleed or skull fracture, which we are grateful for, but he did sustain a C5/6 neck fracture and a fractured sternum. He has since been transferred to Boston Medical Center to receive specialized care. Our biggest concern was how long his brain may have gone without oxygen and what impact that may have caused. Unfortunately today March 11, we received his MRI results that his brain suffered severe damage and is not treatable. At this time we are by his side as they transition to keep him as comfortable as possible before they remove his breathing tube. Our family is still trying wrap our heads around this devastating news we received as life without my father is incomprehensible.

My father served 25 years as the Deputy Chief Firefighter for West Barnstable and has dedicated his life to helping others in our community. As our family focuses on supporting one another and helping my mom through this incredibly difficult time, we know the medical expenses, funeral services and time away from work will quickly add up. If you are able to donate, any amount would mean so much to our family. If you cannot donate, sharing this page and keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers would mean the world to us. With gratitude, Caroline Turcotte