A San Jose man was airlifted with major injuries to a local
trauma center Wednesday afternoon, after crashing his motorcycle in
what the California Highway Patrol says was an alcohol-related
incident.
A San Jose man was airlifted with major injuries to a local trauma center Wednesday afternoon, after crashing his motorcycle in what the California Highway Patrol says was an alcohol-related incident.
G. Pritchett, 44, was driving his 1998 Yamaha north on Uvas Road, north of Oak Glen, after leaving a nearby bar about 5:20pm, according to the CHP. On a curve in the road, Pritchett’s motorcycle veered onto the dirt shoulder and struck a ditch, where it overturned.
Pritchett was ejected, and he and the motorcycle rolled before coming to rest on the east side of the road.
Crews with the California Department of Forestry were first on the scene, and treated Pritchett until a CALSTAR helicopter arrived to transport him to Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto.
Pritchett’s injuries included a collapsed lung, ruptured spleen, compound fracture of his left arm, and other injuries, the CHP said. He underwent surgery Wednesday night.
The CHP believes alcohol was the primary cause of the collision and is continuing its investigation. A complaint is being forwarded to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office and DUI charges may be filed.
Anyone who witnessed the crash may contact Officer Dugger at the Hollister-Gilroy CHP office at 848-2324.
