Wife says it’s a miracle her husband survived hit-and-run

BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah – “Most people would not have survived what he survived,” said Nikie Harper. “He’s Superman. My husband is Superman.”

A family is looking for answers after an apparent hit-and-run accident in Box Elder County.  Utah Highway Patrol Troopers say 54-year-old Joe Harper was hit by a semi or very large truck, but he’s expected to live.  His wife and daughter say it’s a miracle.

Early Friday morning, around 3 a.m., Harper went on a drive to clear his head, according to his family.  His truck was found along S.R. 30 between Tremonton and Logan.  It had hit a power pole and had a flat tire, but Harper wasn’t anywhere nearby.  Someone called 911 after seeing him lying on the side of the road two hours later and a mile away from his truck.

“It was dark at the time and from what I understand he was wearing dark clothing as well,” said Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Jared Cornia. “So it’s possible he might have been struck by a larger vehicle and they might not have known.”

Harper’s family believes he was going for help because he left his cell phone at home.

“When he got in the ambulance, he was so cold and he told them ‘someone hit me,’” said daughter Susie Harper.

Harper’s injuries are extensive.  He has hundreds of stitches in his head, a fractured pelvis, broken ribs and his back is broken in several places.  His family hopes he’ll remember what happened when he wakes up.  They also pray the person who hit him will come forward.

“We just want to know what happened to my dad,” said Susie Harper. “We deserve that.”

Anyone with information about this accident is asked to call the Utah Highway Patrol.  There is also a fund set up to help with Harper’s medical expenses at any Wells Fargo Bank under his name.