Man Killed in Accident while Delivering Valentines

Posted on February 14, 2013 | Written By: iadminlaw

On Tuesday afternoon, a man died after he was pinned by his car while trying to deliver greetings for Valentine’s Day in Madison County, St. Louis. Richard J. Gonzales was driving a 2003 Nissan Altima and had reached his niece’s house when he got out of the car while it was still in drive. The 78-year-old man was pinned between his open car door and the frame of the car. He had tried to stop the car from rolling, but it ended up being out of his control and it hit the back fence before it finally stopped.

1995-1997 Nissan Altima photographed in USA. Category:Nissan Altima U13 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

His niece was not home at the time of the accident. Apparently, it was a regular practice for Gonzales to bring treats and greeting cards to family for holidays.

He received emergency care by workers in the afternoon around 2:30 pm, alas he pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The ambulance had taken him to Alton Memorial Hospital.

The death occurred at 3:07 pm exactly. The coroner stated that the cause of death was blunt chest trauma from the force of the moving car and traumatic asphyxiation or choking.

He was a helper during disasters such as 9/11 and was remembered lovingly by family members and friends who recalled how he was born in Mexico and served some time in the U.S. Army.

Funeral services and a memorial Mass will be held Friday at his church and the funeral home. Gonzales, from Godfrey, donated his body to research specifically at the St. Louis University  School of Medicine.

If you or someone you know has been in an accident, please contact an accident lawyer for advice.