A college student’s graduation day, meant to be a joyous occasion, took a heartbreaking turn as he lost his life in a car accident.
On Sunday, May 7, 22-year-old Ian Brunner, a recent graduate of the University of Dayton in Ohio, had just received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering when the accident occurred. Brunner was working under his car on campus when it fell on him. A witness called 911 around 7 pm that evening, reporting that the jack supporting the vehicle had given way, leaving Brunner pinned beneath.
Emergency services arrived at the student housing complex and found Brunner trapped under his car. Despite their efforts to free him, he had already succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A comparable accident took place in Ohio in March 2022, when 31-year-old Drew Rinner, a family man, was killed instantly while changing a tire in his driveway. It was reported that the car fell on him when the jack collapsed as he tried to reach the spare tire.
Rinner’s wife, 27-year-old Marissa, shared the harrowing story with People magazine, recounting how the jack failed and the car crushed her husband.
These accidents often result from the improper use of car jacks or insufficient support systems. When a jack fails or slips, it can lead to the vehicle collapsing suddenly, pinning the person underneath. This underscores the importance of using reliable and sturdy jacks and ensuring proper placement and stability before attempting to change a tire.
Accidents like these can occur when people change tires on uneven or unstable surfaces. Parking on inclines, soft ground, or sloped areas heightens the risk of the vehicle shifting or rolling, potentially causing accidents. It is important to find a level and solid surface to park the vehicle before beginning any tire-changing procedures.