Man Breaks Both Legs Saving Fiancée After Car Jumps Curb in Arvada
A Colorado man is recovering after a terrifying moment in Arvada, where he was struck by a car that hopped a curb — seconds after he pushed his fiancée out of harm’s way. Bill Dehner and his fiancée, Letitia Gaillard, were waiting for a Lyft outside Cornerstone Liquor & Wine near Ralston Road and Wadsworth Boulevard on Dec. 3 when the driver of a vehicle attempting to park suddenly accelerated into the storefront, according to police. Dehner was thrown inside the business after shoving Gaillard aside, an act authorities say likely prevented her from being hit.
Gaillard, who lives with epilepsy and has a NeuroPace device implanted, said she never saw the vehicle coming and only remembers landing on the ground after being pushed. The couple was separated in the chaos and transported to the hospital. Dehner, who suffered severe leg fractures and has already undergone multiple surgeries, told KUSA that he acted on instinct and has no regrets. Police helped ensure his 6-year-old daughter was cared for after the crash, which investigators say did not involve drugs or alcohol. The driver was cited for two counts of careless driving resulting in injury.
Gaillard has launched a GoFundMe to help the couple secure an accessible home, purchase a vehicle suitable for Dehner’s wheelchair, and cover months of physical therapy expected during his recovery.
