Ronald C. James, 56, of rural Menahga was seriously injured March 19 in a single-vehicle rollover accident.
According to a Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office incident report, the accident took place sometime before 6:16 a.m. on County 14, near the intersection of County 115, in Straight River Township.
Responding personnel arrived on scene to find a 2003 Ford F-350 pickup resting on its roof in the north ditch of County 14, west of County 115.
James, the driver and only occupant of the vehicle, was found lying on the ground on his stomach with his legs still inside the vehicle. He was awake and alert, but complaining of extreme pain in his shoulder. Being unable to feel his legs, he suspected a spinal injury.
A deputy at the scene observed that the truck was apparently traveling east on County 14 when it crossed the centerline, went in the north ditch, rolled and came to rest on its roof.
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James told deputies at the scene that he lost control of the pickup due to icy road conditions. He said he was wearing a seatbelt and driving the speed limit.
As ambulance personnel arrived, James began to complain of shortness of breath. Rescuers braced his neck while extricating him from the vehicle, then turned him onto a backboard before placing him on a gurney and loading him in the ambulance. James was transported to CHI St. Joseph’s Health with injuries described as “serious.”
According to deputies’ reports, no alcohol involvement is suspected in the crash.
Nick’s Service towed the F-350 from the scene to Dick’s Auto in Park Rapids.
A CaringBridge website has been created for James at caringbridge.org/visit/ronjames-mn. This is a social network to help people stay connected with family and friends during a health event.
