FOWLER – A 72-year-old Fresno woman died after she crashed her truck into a tree in Fowler, despite efforts from residents to save her.
Fowler Police Chief Mike Reid said Lauri Redell was leaving the Pharaoh’s Car Show at Panzak Park when her classic Ford truck struck a tree near the intersection of Fourth and Tuolumne Streets on Sept. 28. Reid said there was no indication that drugs or alcohol or mechanical failure played a role in the accident. Redell was the sole occupant in the vehicle.
“My guess would be it was a medical condition that caused the collision,” he said. “We’ll have to wait for the medical records.”
Reid said a resident, a registered nurse, witnessed the collision.
“She approached the vehicle and sprung into action,” said Reid. With the help of other residents, the nurse removed Redell from the truck and began CPR.
Reid said a Fowler Police officer arrived on scene within 21 seconds of the accident. “Our officer broke out some of our medical equipment, including a defibrillator,” he said. The officer and nurse combined efforts to save Redell.
Fresno County Fire arrived at the scene within seven minutes. Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter.
“There were a lot of trained medical personnel who were doing everything to save her,” said Reid. Sadly, their efforts were unsuccessful and Redell died.
“We don’t have many fatal collisions in Fowler,” said Reid. “This one involved a participant in the car show that was going on. It’s very unfortunate. But I am very proud of the folks who jumped in and rolled up their sleeves to try to save this lady’s life.”
