A college student’s graduation day ended in heartbreak when he was killed in a freak accident.
On Sunday, May 7, 22-year-old Ian Brunner, a recent graduate of the University of Dayton in Ohio, had just been awarded his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering when the incident happened.
Brunner was working on his car on campus when it collapsed on him. A witness called 911 around 7 pm that evening, reporting that the jack supporting the vehicle had failed, leaving Brunner trapped beneath.
Emergency services arrived at the student housing complex and discovered Brunner pinned under his car. Despite their attempts to rescue him, he had already suffered fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
A similar accident occurred in Ohio in March 2022, when 31-year-old Drew Rinner, a family man, was killed instantly while changing a tire in his driveway. The car reportedly fell on him when the jack collapsed as he tried to access the spare tire.
Rinner’s wife, 27-year-old Marissa, shared the distressing story with People magazine, describing how the jack failed and the car crushed her husband.
Such accidents are often caused by the improper use of car jacks or inadequate support systems. When a jack fails or slips, it can result in the vehicle collapsing suddenly, pinning the person underneath. This highlights the importance of using dependable and sturdy jacks, as well as ensuring proper positioning and stability before attempting to change a tire.
Accidents like these can happen when tires are changed on uneven or unstable surfaces. Parking on inclines, soft ground, or sloped areas increases the risk of the vehicle shifting or rolling, potentially leading to accidents. It is crucial to find a level and solid surface to park the vehicle before initiating any tire-changing procedures.
