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Head-on crash victims remain hospitalized

By Amber Peabody

This document was published online on Wednesday, July 23, 2008

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Progress is slow for Anthony McConnell following serious injuries sustained in a head-on accident Saturday night.

McConnell, 28, is in the intensive care unit at Billings Clinic.

“He's hanging in there, but he has a good fight ahead of him,” his father Bob said.

McConnell has a breathing tube in place due to fluid in his lungs, but physicians are hoping it will be removed Wednesday, Bob McConnell said. He also underwent vascular surgery on his right foot Wedensdy because of poor circulation.

“It's taking longer for him to come out of it than they expected,” he added.

Doctors plan to get McConnell up and moving on crutches, his father said and, depending on his progress, hope to move him out of ICU by the end of the week. He could return to Cody next week.

McConnell was eastbound on the West Cody Strip about 9 p.m. Saturday when his compact vehicle was struck head-on by Penny Gandall's westbound SUV after it veered into the opposite traffic lanes near Bubba's restaurant. Police said she also twice struck the rear of another westbound vehicle before trying to pass it and then swerving into McConnell. Both drivers were alone in their vehicles and were later transported to Billings by air ambulance.

McConnell, 28, a reporter at the Enterprise, underwent surgery to have a metal rod placed in his leg, has a cracked hip and had three screws placed in his ankle.

Gandall, 47, of Cody, who is suspected by police of impaired driving in the accident and was convicted in Cody of a similar charge several months ago, remains in fair condition at St. Vincent Healthcare.

No charges have been filed and the case remains under investigation. Blood tests have been sent to the DCI crime lab for processing and results are expected in about two weeks.

Cards may be sent to McConnell care of the Enterprise, P.O. Box 1090, or at Billings Clinic, 2800 10th Ave. N, Billings, 59101, and Gandall at St. Vincent Healthcare, 1233 N. 30th St., Billings.

A medical fund to help with McConnell's expenses has been established at First National Bank and Trust.

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