I copied this from Facebook.
I'm sad and still trying to wrap my head around what happened yesterday.
While staging our racecar at BFE moments before a race that we had been highly anticipating, My Co-driver and I witnessed a 4400 car come off of a dirt jump with slow, rear driver-side external rotation forcing the vehicle to land on a tree that was approximately three feet outside of the race track's marked boundary. After seeing the vehicle land, I noticed an individual run up and look at the ground where the vehicle had landed on the tree. I then saw that person who ran up try to assist or pick someone off the ground. With out hesitation I ran out to the track while it was still "Hot" to where the vehicle had landed and found a man laying face down with no spontaneous movement what so ever. After checking for a pulse and not finding one, myself, and my co-driver moved the injured man to his back. Because of the man's lack of pulse and obvious extent of injuries I immediately initiated CPR and told my partner to call for a Medivac/helicopter.
This all happened in a mater of 10-15 seconds.
I continued CPR and rescue efforts for what seemed to be forever as it always does in situations like this. While doing CPR I could hear bystanders in the background saying that the victim had been seen laying down in the gap of the jump, on the race course, taking video of the racecars jumping over him. He was also seen taking "selfies" dangerously close with his back turned to the course of the racecars jumping behind him. I heard another person say that he was told several times to get away from the race course.
Eventually other bystanders,spectators,and racers arrived to help in the resuscitation efforts.
We attempted to resuscitate for over an hour to no avail.
In my experience as a Paramedic. Because of the position that the spectator had chosen to put himself in, the force of the vehicle landing, and the extent of the immediate injuries, efforts were likely futile to begin with.
This was a major tragedy my heart breaks for all parties involved.
To victims family:
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. We did everything we could with the equipment that we had to get him back home to you.
To the Driver:
This was not your fault Brother!!!
Anyone, at anytime, in any race, could have landed there. There was nothing that you could have done differently to avoid this from happening. If you need anything just let me know.
To the Promoters:
The victim wanted to get as close as he could, and he did. No amount of additional barrier tape or authoritative personal would have made any difference yesterday. If it didn't happen to him there, it probably would have happened to him elsewhere on the course. He made his own decision to put himself in harms way. I hope that this accident doesn't discourage you from holding more events. You have my love and support.
To everyone involved in helping in the resuscitation efforts:
Even if this would have happened next door to the best hospital in the world, with all of the best medical personnel, nothing more could have been done than what we did!
To the Fans and Spectators of this sport:
Danger is one of the most defining aspects of motorsports. It's been that way since the first "motoring contests" of the late 1800s, and it's probably going to be true forever. The very fact that it involves huge, metal projectiles being driven around a course at high speeds while people stand around and watch means it's going to be inherently unsafe. Drivers accept that risk, but in the most unfortunate of cases, the spectators are the ones who get hurt. Please use common sense if you choose to come to an event of any type. Never turn your back to the track. Be aware of your surroundings. Help keep others safe.
I'm new to the racing community. However, Its easy to see that its a tight nit family environment, where everyone seems to take care of each other and watch one another's back. In my opinion the fans and spectators must be an extension of that family. If you see some one that looks like they are where they shouldn't be please don't be shy. Say something, tell an authoritative figure. Do what ever you can to get them to a safer area. They may not realize it at the time but you could be saving that persons life!
I hope this sheds some light on what happened yesterday. I know that it is just my perspective but being the first person to initiate and render aid to the victim I thought that I would share what I saw to clear up any rumor.
With love, respect, and support to everyone who has been affected by yesterdays tragedy,
Israel Estares
Knuckle Busters LTD
