Master’s swimmer Dave Matthews suffered serious injuries after being hit by a suspected drunk driver on June 21 in Richmond, California.
That morning, Matthews was loading items into his car when a driver made an illegal u-turn at a Ferry Point tunnel, hitting a truck. That truck then struck several cars parked along the road, including his.
The impact caused him to become wedged between two vehicles, hemorrhaging blood from both of his legs.
Matthews was airlifted from the scene to John Muir Walnut Creek Hospital in serious but stable condition, and he later had to have both legs amputated due to blood loss.
The driver was arrested at the scene of the incident under suspicion of driving under the influence.
Prior to the crash, Matthews was a Masters swimmer with the Walnut Creek Masters program and was an active participant winning multiple titles at the Pacific Masters Championships. In 2011, he swam over nine miles to become one of only 22 people to ever cross the Pailolo Channel between the Hawaiian islands of Molokai and Maui. He has also swum the Strait of Gibraltar .
His family and friends have created a GoFundMe page to pay for his medical expenses. Currently, they have raised over $13,000 out of their $100,000 goal. The doctors expect Matthews to require acute rehabilitation, home care nursing, and prosthetics in order to heal properly. It is unclear whether Matthews will ever be able to return to the pool.
David it is terrible what has happen, but you have such a good attuited and knowing God is with you
all things are possible. You have already show a will to do what ever it take and with that you will go a long way. still praying for you and all the family. May
god keep blessing you. Kthren (Kay) Murphy
I am friend of you precious mother Joan.
It was so tragic and traumatic!!!!! Please please Pray for Dave and our family. Thank you all for your support and prayers.
Stay strong AND positive Dave!!!!!! Healing thoughts and prayers.
Thank you swim swam for covering Dave’s tragic accident. It was very traumatic for our family. Appreciate all your support !!!!
Tennisn1
This is a very tragic incident. It should be noted that Dave was swimming at Keller Cove, a place where many open water swimmers have been working out during shelter in place. While packing up his stuff in his trunk, he was hit and pinned by the drunk driver. Many swimmers were on the scene including his girlfriend. All are very traumatized. Thank you swim swam for covering this story.
This is so sad. No one deserves this, but I am glad that he is still alive. Prayers for Dave and his family.
And another downvote?
We look forward to seeing him at para swim meets eventually! Hope he recovers quickly and can get back to normalness soon
Seriously, another downvote about wishing him well?
This is awful news. Best to him and his family.
Seriously, a downvote about wishing him well?