Plano, TX - Two days after a hit-and-run driver struck triathlete Debbie McGregor, she's talking for the first time about the incident, her injuries, and getting back on a bike.
"To be here awake and talking tells you how lucky I am. There's been great support for me," she said this morning from her hospital bed.
As reported in the story yesterday (see here) McGregor, an accomplished triathlete - with over 40 triathlon finishes and one Ironman to her name - was on a training ride with her Negative Split Racing club when she was stuck from behind by a car near The Colony and Plano border.
"I don't remember anything about getting hit. I didn't hear a horn honking, screeching tires, or anything. The last thing I remember was I was riding my bike up the smaller hill on Windhaven [Parkway] and the next thing I'm waking up in the hospital."
Extensive injuries, long recovery
To say she is lucky is an understatement. She suffered a concussion, numerous bruises, deep lacerations to her left knee and left eyebrow, extensive road rash, and, most seriously, a broken back. Her L2 vertebrae (located in the lower spine) was fractured and slightly displaced. Fortunately the broken bone is not pressuring the nerve column. Doctors are encouraged that she didn't suffer nurologically after an MRI was negative for spinal cord damage and she has movement of both feet. Today or tomorrow she will be fitted with a back brace and physical therapy will begin in a few days. Doctors say she will be in the brace for 12 weeks or more.
"I've always considered myself a 'safety first' cyclist and that's why I was wearing a bright neon yellow jersey, a Road ID, and I always wear a helmet. Plus, the road is so well known to be used by bikers I never thought I wouldn't been seen." It's a good thing she was wearing her helmet too. The left front, temple area of the helmet was indented with a two inch long, horizontal black gash. Just one look at the deep cut above her left eyebrow tells the story of how the helmet mitigated more serious injuries.
Espirit de triathlon
Walking into McGregor's Plano Presbyterian Hospital room is like walking into a floral gift shop. Bouquets of flowers, plants, and "Get Well" balloons overflow the counters at the foot of her bed. Her sister, Julie, has been her constant companion, barley leaving her bedside for more than a few minutes at a time. She leaves only long enough to take care of Debbie's dog, eat, and take a quick nap. Today, Julie began the task of calling insurance companies to report the incident and confirm Debbie's health and property coverage.
Although triathlon is an individual sport, when it comes to times like these it's a team effort. A seemingly constant flow of her teammates comes to her room to hold her hand and wish her a fast recovery. All of this makes her smile, "The support has been great from everybody. I've deeply grateful to them."
Investigation continues
"Right now we don't have any suspect information," says Officer Derrick Hodges of The Colony Police Department, "I'm talking to people at the Austin Ranch [apartment complex] if anyone seen anything like a damaged car." Austin Ranch is a mega-complex of apartments, homes, and retail business located close to the crash site. "What's bothering me is we don't know how long she was lying in the street before someone stopped, and with the glare from the sun going westbound she's lucky she didn't get run over again."
Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Hodges at (972) 625-1887. "It's one thing if it was a mistake in hitting her with a car but when someone leaves the scene it elevates it to a felony crime."
Indomitable spirit
McGregor's next scheduled race is the White Rock Marathon in December and after that, Ironman Texas in May. She says about her future, "I'm happy to be talking and happy for he support from my friends, but I'll be happier to get up and around and back on a bike."
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Comments
Sounds like illegals on the run.
The police department apparently didn't read the first article that quoted an eye witness who saw the offending vehicle and stopped to aid Ms. McGregor with an off duty nurse. How do we send the article to Officer Hodges? While the witness was unidentified, at least we know she didn't lay in the street for an unkown period of time. Was the officer misquoted? "What's bothering me is we don't know how long she was lying in the street before someone stopped, ...she's lucky she didn't get run over again."and "It's one thing if it was a mistake in hitting her with a car..." Whether it was a mistake or intentional is another question. This person needs to be caught and thrown down a hole.
To quote the investigating officer, "What's bothering me is we don't know how long she was lying in the street before someone stopped, and with the glare from the sun going westbound she's lucky she didn't get run over again."
Yes! Blame the victim! It's her fault for being there. She sure is lucky! Since she was wearing sexy Spandex, she's lucky she didn't get raped too. Please, the only thing that really bothers the cops is that evil cyclist got in the way of a driver and now you have to investigate something.
The fact that she was wearing a neon vest and yet STILL got hit is mind-boggling. I wear neon yellow shirts and jerseys when I ride, assuming since you can see it from 2 miles away that it's safe. Lights flashing on back, a headlight flashing on front, and every right to be riding on the road ......... yet it doesn't matter if a driver isn't paying attention.
Fellow cyclists take note - no matter what you wear, or what lights are blinking, etc. we MUST remain paranoid that vehicle drivers do NOT see you. Even then, ANY of us can get hit b/c of a driver not watching where they're going. Frickin neon yellow and she STILL got hit? Wow. Almost makes you wonder if it wasn't on purpose.
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I am so happy to hear that Debbie is doing better. She is so fortunate, it was not her time. Drivers are way too distracted these days with cell phones, etc. Michigan has a new law which took effect July 1st, NO TEXTING. Hoping they will ban use of cell phones while driving also. I was also hit by a distracted driver and was wearing bright yellow following all the rules of the road. I guess all bikers should resort to using bike paths. Praying for your recovery Debbie.
too sad that drivers can't own up to an accident like this. leaving the scene with a critically injured cyclist is so wrong.
absolute LOSERS. the roads are owned by motorists, no one seems to care about cyclists. WHY ?
Is there a description of the vehicle? I live nearby and would gladly ride through the Austin Ranch parking lots looking for the vehicle. Of course, it might not be there and there are a few garages at the apartment complex, too.
It seems these day's with technology that there would be a camera in the surrounding area that would have picked up this incident. I truly hope Officer Derrick Hodges of The Colony Police Department is doing his best investigating. Let's help their local enforcement agency by commutating the importance of the investigation to their police chief jclark@thecolonytx.gov . With only a force of 53 sworn positions they might need help trying to locate this criminal. Please let’s help this criminal brought to justice. Our citizens have to be aware of their civil and moral duties.
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