Doug Cortez - road to recovery

On Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 at approximately 5am in the morning Doug Cortez was on his way to what he thought, was just another work day. Little did he know a shocking tragedy was about to approach him.

Driving in Warren, MI near Ryan and Martin, suddenly a young driver who we believe to be under the influence, blew through a red light at an alarming speed and just like that Doug’s life flashed before his eyes. With the amount of impact struck to the car, he was trapped inside with multiple injuries and unable to get out.

Doug works with his two brother in laws and when he never showed up to work or answered his phone, they contacted his wife Mary as he’s never late for work. Mary had informed them Doug had left almost 2 hours ago. Immediately everyone began to worry. Mary’s brothers left work in a hurry to start looking for Doug while Mary began calling police departments. Clinton Township had transferred her to Warren where they informed her of the tragic accident and where Doug had been transferred to.

Thankfully, the Warren Police and Fire Department were able to use the jaws of life and cut Doug out of his now totaled car. He was then rushed over by ambulance to Beaumont Hospital in critical condition. He has suffered multiple injuries and lacerations including a broken pelvis, 9 broken ribs, both clavicles (collarbones) fractured, a lacerated spleen, lacerations of the hands/arms, a fracture of his spine (C7) and two collapsed lungs. Which then left the surgeons with no choice but to wait on surgeries due to the severities to both lungs. Doug now in ICU, was then put on chest tubes to help the pressure of his lungs and continuation in a neck brace until surgery. As he’s started the process on Monday for the multiple surgeries, the Cortez family is in a time of need.

Doug Cortez is a loving husband and father to his two small children above all else. He is a son, brother, friend and a genuine, caring guy that would do anything for anyone. With surgeries and rehabilitation in the process, there is still a long road ahead of him in order to get back on his feet for work. His wife is a stay at home mother to their son (age 7) and daughter (age 4), leaving them little options on a financial hardship. With limited health insurance like many, they are worried about ongoing medical bills, deductibles, insurance, a vehicle they now lost, along with normal day to day necessities. It would mean the world to the Cortez family for anyone who is able to donate. Any contributions at this time will help and go a long way on the road to recovery for such a good human we all love dearly.

Surgeries are scheduled this week.

Monday, 10/4/21 the clavicle surgery was scheduled and went well. Tuesday, 10/5/21 surgery is scheduled for plating and reconstruction of the 9 broken ribs.

Thank you to each and every one of you.

All their love,

The Cortez Family