Following a collision at an upstate New York turkey trot that went viral on social media, a runner was disqualified.
The Thanksgiving Day incident occurred Thursday, Nov. 24, in Rensselaer County, at the Troy Turkey Trot 10K race in Troy.
A video that was shared on Twitter depicts Jack Huber of Delmar and Xavier Salvador of Washington, DC, fighting fiercely for fourth place as they get closer to the finish line.
As the race comes to a close, the two are seen almost shoulder to shoulder when Salvador abruptly swerves to his right and collides with Huber, who had attempted to pass on the same side.
The two men then fall to the ground, with Huber hitting a metal barrier and then colliding with the legs of a photographer.
According to the Albany Times Union, Salvador was left with a swollen wrist, sore ribs, and some scrapes, while Huber sustained scrapes, road rash, and bruises on his right knee and forearms.
After reviewing witness accounts and footage of the collision, the race organizers disqualified Salvador for acting in an unsportsmanlike manner.
“It has been determined that Xaviar Salvador (Bib 707) and Jack Huber (Bib 957), who competed for fourth and fifth place in the 10K at the 75th Troy Turkey Trot, violated USATF Rule 163,” the race’s organizers stated on Facebook on Friday, Nov. 25.
A corrected results list with Huber in fourth place at 31 minutes and 47 seconds was attached to the post.
Troy Turkey Trot coordinator and race referee George Regan told the Times Union he saw the entire thing and couldn’t recall a similar incident occurring in the race’s history.
“I watched in horror and dismay as (Huber) was on the riverside of the fourth-place runner and the kid could see him in his peripheral vision and kept creeping to the right and wouldn’t let him by,” Regan said to the outlet.
Salvador claimed to the Times Union that he only veered to his right in order to avoid a manhole cover because he was unaware that Huber was approaching from his right.
He told the outlet, “I feel really bad about it. I never intended to hurt him or tackle him.” “I didn’t realize he was on my right shoulder and I’m sprinting as hard as I can. ”.
Despite Salvador’s insistence it was an accident, social media has been flooded with people who beg to differ.
Chris Furnani tweeted, “The runners finishing ahead of him didn’t seem to have a problem with the manhole cover.”
“That’s one of the most unsportsmanlike moves I’ve ever seen in any amateur sports event,” Dave Aiello added.
The annual Troy Turkey Trot, a beloved Thanksgiving tradition in Troy Michigan was marred by a tragic collision in 2022. A video of the incident, which quickly went viral, captured the harrowing moments when a vehicle plowed through the crowd of runners, injuring several participants. In this article, we will delve into the details of the collision, its impact on the victims and the community, and the ongoing legal proceedings.
The Collision
The incident occurred on Thanksgiving morning, November 24, 2022, during the 48th annual Troy Turkey Trot. As runners made their way through the designated course, a white SUV, driven by a 57-year-old man, veered off the road and onto the sidewalk, colliding with a group of participants. The impact sent shockwaves through the crowd, leaving several runners injured, some with critical injuries.
The Video
A video of the collision, captured by a bystander, quickly circulated online, garnering widespread attention. The graphic footage showed the SUV swerving onto the sidewalk and striking the runners, sending them flying through the air. The video also captured the immediate aftermath, with people rushing to help the injured and emergency responders arriving at the scene.
The Victims
The collision resulted in 14 injuries, ranging from minor to critical. Two victims, a 67-year-old woman and a 59-year-old man, succumbed to their injuries in the days following the incident. The remaining victims suffered various injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and internal injuries.
Community Response
The Troy community was deeply shaken by the tragedy. The annual Turkey Trot, a cherished tradition, had been turned into a scene of horror. Residents expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and offered support to those injured. The city of Troy organized a vigil to honor the victims and provide a space for the community to grieve and heal.
Legal Proceedings
The driver of the SUV was arrested and charged with two counts of reckless driving causing death and 12 counts of reckless driving causing serious impairment. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently awaiting trial. The victims and their families have filed civil lawsuits against the driver, seeking compensation for their injuries and losses.
The Troy Turkey Trot collision was a devastating event that left a lasting impact on the community. The video of the incident served as a stark reminder of the dangers that can occur even during seemingly safe events. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and it remains to be seen what justice will be served. As we approach the next Thanksgiving, the memory of this tragedy will undoubtedly linger, serving as a reminder of the importance of safety and community support.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the cause of the collision?
The cause of the collision is still under investigation. However, authorities believe that the driver may have suffered a medical episode that caused him to lose control of the vehicle.
- What is the status of the victims?
The victims of the collision have suffered a range of injuries, from minor to critical. Some victims have made significant recoveries, while others continue to face long-term challenges.
- What is the status of the legal proceedings?
The driver of the SUV is currently awaiting trial on charges of reckless driving causing death and serious impairment. The victims and their families have also filed civil lawsuits against the driver.
Additional Resources
- Troy Police Department: https://www.troymi.gov/departments/police/
- Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office: https://www.oakgov.com/ прокуратура/
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: https://www.nhtsa.gov/
Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney for legal advice.