Car accident leaves Flora man in critical condition

Published 4:00 pm Wednesday, December 23, 2009

A Flora man is in critical condition after being run over outside of Enterprise High School during a basketball tournament, according to the Enterprise Police Department.

Christopher Burch of Flora suffered critical injuries when he was run over in the school parking lot Friday, Dec. 18, by the rear wheel of a Ford pickup driven by Ethan Lowe, 19, of Joseph.

Burch was taken by ambulance to La Grande and from there by Life Flight to Oregon Health & Science University where he remains in critical condition with a shattered pelvis and internal injuries, according to his uncle, Chuck Cannon.

The accident happened in dark and foggy conditions, according to Mayah Lowe, mother of Ethan.

According to Lowe, who emphasized that she was not present at the accident and was relying on information from her son and other witnesses, Lowe was driving out of the parking lot to avoid a confrontation with Burch when Burch apparently fell and the passenger side rear wheel passed over Burch.

Burch had been asked to leave the high school premises moments before due to reports of his “pestering fans,” using bad language and appearing to be inebriated, according to school Superintendent Brad Royse.

Royse said he sent Burch home in the company of his cousin, Clinton Daggett, after receiving a promise that Burch would not drive. Royse said he understood that Daggett was accompanying Burch home on foot.

Enterprise Police Chief Wes Kilgore said the accident was under investigation and it had not yet been determined if any criminal charges would be filed. He confirmed that Ethan Lowe was cooperating fully with the investigation.

Mayah Lowe said her son was deeply concerned about Burch’s condition.

“It was a real unfortunate thing,” said Lowe.

“When something like this happens it just breaks your heart for everyone involved. I know my son is really upset about it. We’re hoping and praying for Christopher and our hearts are with his family.”