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SALT LAKE CITY — A man involved in a crash earlier this summer — who University Hospital nurse Alex Wubbels was overseeing before her controversial arrest — is still in critical condition as of this week.
Bill Gray, of Rigby, Idaho, is being treated at the University of Utah Burn Center after the July 26 crash near Wellsville, in which another driver was killed.
Gray had severe burns on 46 percent of his body and was given a 22 percent chance of survival, according to a news release from a family spokesperson on Wednesday.
Later on July 26, Wubbels refused to give Salt Lake City police officers a sample of Gray’s blood, citing hospital policy. The officers wanted the blood sample to assist with their investigation of the crash.
After Salt Lake City police officer Jeff Payne arrested Wubbels, Payne’s body camera footage of the confrontation went viral, getting national and international media attention.
Wubbels was later released and was not charged.
In the news release, Gray’s wife April said she appreciated both Wubbels and police officers who responded to the crash scene.
“I’m glad (Wubbels) was protecting my husband and I love our police community.” April Gray said. “I’m deeply grateful to the Logan police officers who helped Bill on the scene of the accident, as well as all the medical staff who have treated him since then. They have all been wonderful.”
Gray’s injuries stemmed from a head-on crash with a vehicle that was fleeing from police in Cache County and crossed into oncoming traffic. The driver of the fleeing vehicle was killed.
Gray was able to get out of his truck, which was engulfed in flames, and police put out the flames on his body.
Gray has had several medical procedures to remove burned skin and graft healthy skin, according to the release. He will need surgery on his hands, which were severely burned.
A GoFundMe account* has been set up to help April Gray with travel expenses and lost wages from missing work.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
