WESTLOCK – In a sombre victim impact statement read into the Westlock Court of Justice on Dec. 4, Alex Dunlop described the horrific moment an SUV travelling 142 km/h crashed into his Harley Davidson on Highway 44 south of Westlock last year.
“I remember seeing an approaching vehicle that I could not manoeuvre away from. I saw a huge flash of light before my eyes at the impact and the next thing I knew I was sitting on the highway bleeding out. The last thing I remember are the people there who used my belt to make a tourniquet for my leg and saved my life.”
The SUV was headed south when the driver, Sarah Gorman, pulled out to pass a semi-trailer. With her were her husband and their three children.
STARS arrived and gave Dunlop a blood transfusion and put him into a medically induced coma. He was taken to the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton where he was in intensive care for a month.
“I had multiple surgeries that included the amputation of my right leg above my knee.”
His right arm was shattered and doctors initially thought that it couldn’t be saved but after three surgeries it was partially reconstructed, court heard in the statement read by Westlock Victim Services on Dunlop's behalf. He sat in the gallery as it was read.
“I now have 10 per cent usage of my right arm, which is my dominant arm,” said Dunlop. “Specialists have advised I will require further surgery.”
The crash drastically altered Dunlop’s life forever.
“Prior to Aug. 17, 2023, I was a very active 67-year-old husband, father, grandfather, friend, community helper and lived life full of activity,” he said. “I worked casually doing carpentry work with a friend and did campground maintenance at two campgrounds in our town. I enjoyed helping my friend with a hunting outfitter business, and spending quality time in the outdoors fishing and hunting. I also enjoyed cutting firewood for friends and neighbours.
“All of these activities are no longer possible for me,” he added. “I can no longer bring a paycheck home which is devastating based on costs related to injuries.”
His relationship with his family has also changed dramatically.
“My wife Rachel has been my primary support and caregiver. Our relationship has changed from her dependence on me to me being dependent on her for many daily living routines.
"My relationship with my sons and grandchildren has forever changed. I was the active dad and poppa who took them fishing, hunting, skating, and went to their sports activities. I traveled wherever they needed to be. This is devastating for me as I face not being able to participate as I did before.”
Since the collision, Dunlop has also felt more isolated, unable to visit or help friends like he used to.
“I always enjoyed helping my friends and neighbours with tasks. I was always the one to support them in their time of need and now this has been reversed. I can’t just jump in my truck and go help them when they need me. They now jump in their truck to help me. This is hard to take.”
Dunlop said he has to travel often from his home in Slave Lake to Edmonton for medical appointments. Due to multiple injuries the family home had to be renovated to accommodate his physical disabilities.
“I have yet to be able to lay down to sleep. My lower spinal and pelvis injuries require that I maintain a 30-degree angle at all times, therefore I am forced to sleep in a reclining chair.”
He said he and his wife may be forced to sell their home where they have lived for 19 years on a street with good neighbours.
Each day brings a new challenge and life is an emotional roller coaster but as he continues his rehabilitation he said he tries to remain positive for his family.
“I am a strong man and my goal is to return to doing some of the activities that have been taken from me.”
A trial had been scheduled for Dec. 4 in Westlock court but instead Gorman pleaded guilty to careless driving and was fined the maximum $2,400.
When imposing the maximum allowable fine, Justice Gordon Putman told Dunlop that it was very difficult to hear his victim impact statement.
"I can't imagine how things have changed for you."
A GoFundMe page was set up to help Alex and his wife. To donate go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-alex-and-rachel