Crash victims' family still in uncertainty

The crash site is cleared and now the focus has turned to healing.

Dwayne Perry and other family members waited with bated breath as doctors operated on Jared Perry and his son Dwayne, named after his grandfather, Sunday afternoon at University Hospital. It had been a long night, and the concern was visible on the elder Perry's face as he recounted the process of repair doctors had described between surgeries on his son and grandson.

An auto accident claimed the lives of six Saturday morning at around 1 a.m. 10 miles west of Magna. A Dodge Stratus was attempting to turn left off of state Route 202 and head east on state Route 201 when it was T-boned by a Mercury Sable traveling west on state Route 201.

Of the seven people inside the Stratus, only one survived — 4-year-old Ricardo Ramirez. He was discharged from Primary Children's Medical Center Sunday morning.

Dwayne and Jared Perry were returning in the Sable to their home in Grantsville after spending the day assisting a family member who was moving. Both were flown by helicopter in serious condition. Jared was taken to University Hospital, Dwayne to Primary Children's Medical Center.

Jared's father told the Deseret News on Sunday that Jared was suffering from internal bleeding and doctors were trying to determine if they would have to remove his spleen. He had already had major surgery on his wrist and hip and will have to wait another eight to 10 days before surgeons can operate on his knee. He turned 34 on Sunday.

"It's been hard, we've been bouncing back and forth from Primary Children's and (University Hospital)," Dwayne Perry said. "(The family has) been strong and we have a great faith in our Savior and know that our Heavenly Father is with us."

Grandson Dwayne, 8, was having surgery on his back Sunday as his grandfather spoke with the Deseret News. On Saturday, doctors had operated on the boy's abdomen, reshaping muscles that were damaged by the seat belt he'd been wearing. His stomach and intestines were severely damaged in the accident, his grandfather said.

"He's grandpa's little fishing buddy," Perry said as his eyes began to tear up.

Perry said he and his family believe they are blessed, despite the condition of his son and grandson.

"Our hearts go out to the other family," Perry said. "We wish them all the best."

Veronica Martinez, 35, Ricardo Ramirez, 29, and their children — Mercedes Martinez, 15, Veronica Ramirez, 6, and Isabel Ramirez, 5 — and family friend Megan Foote, 15, all of Salt Lake County, were killed in the accident at an intersection of the 2100 South highway near Kennecott.

Ricardo Ramirez was discharged from Primary Children's Hospital. It is unclear if the boy is with relatives or in state custody. Primary Children Medical Center spokeswoman Bonnie Midget did not return repeated messages left on her voice mail.

e-mail: cnorlen@desnews.com