The woman struck by a box truck last weekend in Southold has a “very long road ahead of her,” her husband Jay told SoutholdLOCAL yesterday.
In an email, Jay Melley said his wife Patrice, who was struck as she rode her bicycle on Route 25 in Southold, “lost a tremendous amount of blood” and remains in intensive care at Stony Brook Medical Center.
But thanks to the Southold Fire Department and Rescue, who raced to the scene, his wife will survive, Melley said. “The Southold Fire and Rescue responded, prompting an airlift to Stony Brook Medical Center. There is no question but the efficient action saved her life. The organization and training of the crews demonstrated an ability to handle a serious crisis. Without knowing any specific names, we look forward to sharing our thanks with the entire department,” he wrote.
Melley, along with the couple’s children Micaela and Claire, also thanked those who donate to blood banks for helping his wife after the accident. “We were fortunate to be in a facility with a ready supply to fill the extremely large need. In an attempt to pay something back, we are encouraging family, friends and anyone capable of donating blood. We also need continued prayers,” Melley said. “We thank the Southold community for their love and support.”
Melley, of Guilord, Connecticut, was struck by Charles J. Murray, 58, of Shelter Island, who was driving his 2005 Chevrolet box truck west on Route 25; Melley was also heading west on her bicycle, Southold Town police said.
Murray’s truck was impounded for a safety inspection; he was not charged with a crime at but the investigation is ongoing, police said.
The accident took place at approximately 3 p.m. on Route 25 just east of Laurel Avenue, in front of KK’s Farm on May 2.
