The Long Road Back for Officer Injured in the Line of Duty
Struck by a pickup while working an accident scene, Officer Jonathan Esquivel suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to University Hospital. After two years of hard work and recovery, he hopes to return to duty one day — and maybe run a marathon in the process.
BACKGROUND: Two years ago, San Antonio Police Officer Jonathan Esquivel was diverting traffic at the scene of a crash on Loop 410 near Callaghan Road when he was struck by a pickup traveling about 50 miles an hour. The driver was texting and didn’t see Officer Esquivel until it was too late.
Critically injured, Officer Esquivel was rushed to University Hospital, where he was treated for a broken neck, shattered pelvis, crushed ankle, ruptured bladder and a serious brain injury. Over the next two months, he underwent 10 operations to control bleeding, piece together shattered bones, stabilize his neck and repair his bladder. Recovery was hard, but Esquivel was determined to get better and become the husband, father and dedicated police officer he was before.
Officer Esquivel is University Health System’s 2014 Medical Miracle honoree, and will reunite with the medical team that saved his life at the 2014 Medical Miracles Gala, sponsored by the University Health System Foundation.
WHO: San Antonio Police Officer Jonathan Esquivel, University Health System physicians and staff
WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday, May 8
WHERE: La Cantera Hill Country Resort, 16641 La Cantera Parkway
