Miranda Frisbie and James Galindez were on top of the world. She had graduated from college recently and James had a good job for the last four years in Stockton.
The young Lathrop couple was looking forward to their upcoming wedding and just bought a new home. Family and friends had scheduled a house warming for them this Saturday.
Their world turned upside down last Thursday as the result of a road rage accident on Highway 99 when James was forced off the road and sustained life threatening injuries.
A “Go Fund Me” account has already been established and has logged 470 hits in just four days totaling more than $7,200 with a goal of $50,000.
James was airlifted to University of California Davis Medical Center by REACH air ambulance out of Stockton Metro Airport. The receiving physician at the Sacramento hospital said his injuries were horrific, crediting the air ambulance medics for saving his life.
A family member – Miranda’s mom Glenda Frisbie – said he had four shattered vertebrae. Two were in his back and two in his neck. James’ first surgery lasted 8 ½ hours the night of the crash with four doctors working over him, she said. More surgeries are being scheduled. She confirmed that he also had brain injuries and is suffering from paralysis.
Miranda has not left his bedside since he was admitted into the Sacramento hospital.
The collision between a 1992 pickup truck and his Chevy SUV occurred just south of the French Camp Road overcrossing when officers said he was cut off during the road rage which began at Arch Road near the Stockton Airport.
His 1999 SUV took out 100 feet of freeway fencing, overturned and rolled, ejecting him onto the roadway. A REACH air ambulance landed in the nearby French Camp Golf Course where he was taken by Manteca Ambulance and transported to the hospital by helicopter.
Jeffrey Orion Connell, 33, of Tracy was arrested by a CHP officer in an undercover car after motorists had blocked him off onto the shoulder of the highway with a flat tire. Connell is currently in the San Joaquin County Jail in French Camp with a high bail amount because of prior convictions, the CHP said. His next court date is on June 25 at 8:30 a.m. at the Manteca courtroom.
He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with his truck, reckless driving causing great bodily injury, and felony hit and run, according to the Sheriff’s who’s in custody website. His first court date was this week in the Manteca Branch of the San Joaquin County Superior Court.
Miranda’s mom said her daughter is so much in love and is asking that people in the community keep the couple in their prayers.
“James has many surgeries and physical therapy hours in his future,” Glenda Frsibee said. “Miranda, stay strong and believe in miracles.”
To reach the Go Fund Me website, go to GoFundMe.com/JamesGalindez. Donations to date have ranged from $20 to over $125.
