Warroad, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Nine months after surviving a near-fatal car crash, Bruce Shaugabay walked back into Altru Hospital in Grand Forks—not as a patient, but to thank the medical team that saved his life.
On April 6, 2024, Shaugabay’s life changed in an instant when his vehicle hit a patch of ice, skidded off the road, and crashed into several trees. The passerby who witnessed the crash immediately called 911, setting off a chain of events that would save his life.
A Fight for Survival
- Shaugabay was trapped inside the wreckage until emergency crews arrived and extracted him.
- He was airlifted to Altru Hospital, as medical teams determined he would not survive a longer flight to Fargo.
- After five days in a coma, he woke up unable to speak, with no memory of what had happened.
“I’ve never been afraid in my life before, but waking up in a hospital like that… it definitely shakes the best of you,” Shaugabay said.
Doctors revealed the extent of his injuries:
- Eight broken ribs
- Broken legs and wrist
- Punctured lung
- Multiple internal injuries requiring nearly 20 surgeries
A Powerful Reunion
This week, Shaugabay returned to Altru Hospital to thank the doctors, nurses, and therapists who helped him recover—a rare moment for ICU staff, who often don’t see their patients once they leave.
“It was so amazing to see Bruce up and walking! We don’t get to see that very often,” said Jessica Watts, one of his nurses.
“We look at our patients as family,” added Krista Walz, a Speech-Language Pathologist who helped Shaugabay regain the ability to eat and drink properly.
After 77 days in the ICU, Shaugabay was finally able to go home—a moment of joy mixed with sadness.
“The staff became my family,” he said. “You definitely saved not only my life, but my family’s life, too.”
Looking Ahead
Shaugabay is still on a long road to recovery but hopes to return to work soon. He also expressed his desire to meet the Good Samaritan who called 911 that day, acknowledging their role in his survival.
“If I ever hurt myself again… I know where to go!” he joked, surrounded by the hospital staff who became his second family.
Stay with TRF News for more inspiring stories of survival and resilience.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me
