Lakritz in critical condition after car crash

Community advocate Simon Lakritz remains in critical condition after a traffic accident in north Hanford on Friday night. The 77-year-old Lakritz was still on life support this morning at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, but family members say his condition improved over the weekend.

Lakritz was reportedly driving eastbound on Fargo Avenue near Douty Street when he crashed into a trailer parked on the side of the road. He was a few blocks from his home.

Initially, it was thought Lakritz was involved in a heart attack-prompted wreck, but the tests later determined that he had arrythmia. The condition caused him to faint and lose control of his car and crash, said Bradley Lakritz, one of his sons who are in town this week to be with their father.

Simon Lakritz suffered no injuries from the crash, his son said. "After three days, he's doing much better," Bradley Lakritz said. "He's still on the ventilator and heavily sedated, but he's pretty much breathing on his own."

Lakrtiz, a retired educator, is a former mayor of Hanford. He served on the city council between 1974 and 1986 and again between 1988 and 2000. He also served on the Hanford Joint Union High School District board between 2002-2006.

In Hanford, Lakritz is known as a civil rights advocate and an outspoken liberal who is well-respected in the community.

Though still unconscious, Lakritz reportedly remains responsive. His breathing was normalized as of last night, according to his son. A CT scan was performed Sunday night on Lakritz's chest to determine the status of his lungs. If the lungs are found to be clear of fluid, Lakritz could be taken off the ventilator, Bradley Lakritz said.

"We're very confident and hopeful," he said. "A lot of people are calling us and knocking on the door to tells us how much they care about him. It makes us feel very good that he is in the hearts and minds of everybody."

The reporter can be reached at 583-2429.

(July 21, 2008)