A Provo man who was impaled through the neck by a heavy metal object that came through his windshield on U.S. 189 in Provo Canyon is now facing a lengthy and uncertain recovery that may include paralysis, according to investigators and a fundraiser set up on his behalf.
Incident, emergency response and surgery
The Utah Highway Patrol reported the crash occurred Monday at about 5:23 p.m. while the driver was traveling west on U.S. 189 through Provo Canyon. Investigators said a heavy metal bar fell from another vehicle and pierced the windshield, striking the driver in the neck.
The driver has been identified on a GoFundMe page as Webster Woods. The fundraiser described his survival as "nothing short of an absolute miracle" and said Woods was rushed into emergency surgery after first responders transported him to a hospital.
"He was rushed into emergency surgery, where an incredible medical team worked tirelessly to stabilize him and remove the bar."
The surgery to remove the object was reported successful, but the fundraiser and medical observers cautioned that the severity of the injury leaves the man with an uncertain prognosis. As of Wednesday, Woods remained in critical condition, and the fundraiser said he faces "an incredibly long, intense, and painful road to recovery."
Passenger, investigation and community support
A passenger in the vehicle was not injured and was credited by the Utah Highway Patrol with bringing the car to a stop under extreme circumstances. UHP said the passenger managed to stop the vehicle by using one hand to apply the brake and the other to steer.
Investigators are continuing their work into how the heavy metal object came to fall from another vehicle and into the roadway. Authorities have asked for any dash-cam footage that might show the incident or the circumstances leading up to it.
- Victim: Identified by GoFundMe as Webster Woods
- Location: U.S. 189, Provo Canyon
- Time: About 5:23 p.m. Monday
- Injuries: Metal bar impaled through neck; surgery performed; possible paralysis
- Passenger: Uninjured; safely stopped vehicle
Immediate and longer-term needs
The GoFundMe organized for Woods says he will be unable to work for the foreseeable future and will require extensive medical interventions, intensive rehabilitation and continuous specialized treatment. Money raised will be used to cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs and other expenses related to his care.
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| About 5:23 p.m. Monday | Heavy metal object came through windshield and struck driver in the neck |
| Shortly after | Passenger stopped vehicle; driver transported to hospital |
| Following | Emergency surgery to remove bar; surgery successful; patient in critical condition |
Officials are urging anyone who may have recorded the incident on dash camera to contact the Utah Highway Patrol to assist investigators. The case underscores the danger posed by unsecured loads on Utah highways and raises questions about road safety in Provo Canyon, a frequently traveled corridor for residents commuting between Provo and the northeast Wasatch foothills.
As the victim continues to recover, community members have begun donating through the GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of medical care and recovery. Local authorities and the fundraiser organizers have not released additional medical details beyond the statements about the surgery and the possibility of long-term impairment.
WE NEWS will update this story as investigators release more information and as the family provides further statements about the man's condition and needs.
