Surgeon loses part of his arm after car struck him and another runner during Florida Keys’ ultra marathon

A Florida surgeon has lost part of his arm after being hit by a car while running an ultramarathon in the Florida Keys, causing the driver to fall asleep at the wheel.

The doctor, identified only as Matt D, is a professional marathoner and was struck along with another man as they ran along the roadside during the 100-mile race from Key Largo to Key West last weekend.

The second man hit by the sleeping driver is a professor at the University of Miami and an avid runner.

Both men are now admitted to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center after suffering serious injuries.

Florida Highway Patrol said a 23-year-old woman was behind the wheel of a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica when the crash occurred.

A second man affected, Gabriel, is a professor at the University of Miami

In Matt D’s case, doctors were forced to amputate part of her husband’s right arm. He may never work as a surgeon again as a result of the devastating injury.

“This was supposed to be a fun event, we were hoping for a family vacation and it has ruined our lives for as long as we know it,” his wife Sara told NBC6.

The family tries to understand how such a horrific accident could have happened during an organized race.

‘They were part of an official race, all I know is that they were not alone, they were part of an organized event and I don’t understand the details. Why? How?’ Sarah asked.

“In our experience, in all these ultra races, when there are vehicles involved, the roads are usually closed to vehicles, so I don’t really understand what the car was doing there,” Sara said.

As for Gabriel, it is likely that he too will lose some function in his right arm.

This was supposed to be a fun event, we were hoping for a family vacation and it has destroyed our lives for as long as we know it,” said Matt D’s wife Sara.

The doctor, identified only as Matt D, is a professional marathon runner

Doctors were forced to amputate part of surgeon Matt D’s right arm. He may never work as a surgeon again as a result of the devastating injury

Both women believe the accident could have easily been prevented.

In some parts of the race, cones and signs warn drivers to be alert, but Gabriel’s wife claims there was no warning whatsoever when her husband was hit.

The two men were running south on US 1 on the east shoulder at the time.

But race director Bob Becker said only certain parts of the race track are cordoned off.

“Seven Mile Bridge is cone-shaped, not the entire course. That has never been the case and there has never been any commentary to that effect,” race director Bob Becker explained.

The Florida Highway Patrol says the driver who struck the men left the lane to the right, causing the right front of the vehicle to collide with the first runner.

The vehicle then traveled north and collided with the second runner before coming to rest on the right shoulder of US 1.

The report shows that alcohol was not the cause of the accident.

Some on social media noted that such an accident was likely to happen.

“The reality is that A1A is a narrow, busy two-lane road and there is no sidewalk for most of it. Not the wisest place for a race,” one commenter wrote.

“Unless they completely close the road to motorists, how can you prevent this from ever happening again?” added another.

‘It’s a beautiful drive, but especially narrow roads and cars going over the speed limit… I don’t understand why a driver would drive fast near a bunch of runners, that’s extremely stupid, people don’t pay attention… praying for the two runners,” said a third.