Philip Archie, who was flown to St. Joseph’s Hospital on May 4 after his vehicle was hit near Country Corner, is recovering at home.

Although early reports were that he had not been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, Archie said that he was, and it saved his life, although causing him a broken rib.

“I had never been in a hospital before,” Archie said. “I am just taking it one day at a time. I have received so much support from the whole island that it’s just overwhelming. I have always been someone who takes care of myself, now I cannot and it has been very humbling.”

He says that people have stopped by to visit and helped him in many ways and he is grateful to the Orcas community.

Archie sustained injuries to head, leg, rib and chest in the vehicle crash.

The other driver, a 17-year-old female, was taken to Orcas Medical Center with minor injuries, was treated, and released.

The accident occurred when the 17-year-old driver, in a Chevy S-10 pickup heading northbound on Olga Road, attempted to turn onto Crescent Beach Road and hit the Mitsubishi pickup driven by Archie. His vehicle was pushed into a rock near the painted tank.

Unopened alcohol containers were found in the Chevy S-10. The driver was cited for failure to yield and referred to juvenile court for being a minor in possession. She was cooperative with Sheriff’s Deputies and showed no indication of being under the influence.