By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Travis McDowell had ridden the Interstate 475 entrance ramp in Perrysburg countless times on his motorcycle. As he was leaving his towing business on May 13, around 10:45 p.m., he turned onto his normal route.
“I’ve been on the entrance ramp a hundred times,” he said. But on this night, McDowell rode off the left side of the roadway, was thrown from his motorcycle and hit a traffic sign.
“I don’t remember any of it – which is probably good,” he said.
Perrysburg Police officers and Ohio State Patrol troopers arriving on the scene rendered care immediately – putting tourniquets on McDowell’s right arm and both legs.
“Their actions undoubtedly save Mr. McDowell’s life,” said Lt. Angel Burgos of the Bowling Green post of the Ohio State Patrol.
On Monday, McDowell and his girlfriend, Katie Walker, came to the Bowling Green post to thank the officers who acted so quickly at the crash scene.
Recognized for their efforts were State Patrol Trooper Casimir Von Sacken and Sgt. Katheryn Banks, and Perrysburg officers Jesse Gomez and Brad Dayton.
“I really appreciate all of the work and effort you guys did to save my life,” McDowell said. “So, thank you.”
State Patrol Major Charles Jones said troopers often partner with local law enforcement at crash scenes.
“Two agencies coming together to save a life,” Jones said. “We do what we have to do to save lives. We see here exactly what their efforts did.”
State Rep. Haraz Ghanbari, R-Perrysburg, praised the work of the troopers and police officers.
“The stories don’t always end this way,” he said.
McDowell, 47, who lives in Perrysburg and owns a towing and recovery business in the city, spent 17 days in the hospital after the crash. He has undergone 11 surgeries so far.
“We’re not done yet,” Walker said.
He lost his right leg below the knee, and his left leg above the knee.
Doctors told McDowell and Walker that they would likely have to amputate his right arm as well.
“They were 99% sure he was going to lose his arm,” Walker said.
But the very next day, a pulse was found in McDowell’s arm.
“I remember that day,” Walker said with a smile.
McDowell has partial use of his right arm, and will need further surgeries on it, Walker said.
Later on Monday, McDowell was scheduled to be fit for prosthetic legs.
Burgos commented on McDowell’s positive attitude since the crash.
“I am in awe of his courage,” Burgos said.
