Community rallying to support wrong way crash victim

Medford, Ore. — Family and friends are rallying behind the Medford man who was critically injured in a wrong way crash on I-5 Tuesday morning. Friends tell NBC5 News Norm Anderson is a Navy veteran, father of two and the sole provider for his family. Tonight, they are asking the community to lend a helping hand.

“I was in shock, it’s so heartbreaking when its someone you know.”

Ashley Lyons has known the Anderson family ever since Norm recruited her for the Navy in high school. They were stationed together in Virginia Beach, and have been friends ever since.

“He’s done so many good things and I’m so thankful even for the opportunity he created for me when I joined [the Navy],” Lyons says.

The 37-year-old was on his way to work Tuesday morning, when he was hit head-on by a truck going the wrong way on I-5. Police believe the driver, 62-year-old John Kipp, was under the influence, and say he made comments to police about meth use.

“It makes me sick,” Lyons says, “how can you do that? He easily could have killed him, it’s not fair.”

Anderson was flown to OHSU where he’s undergoing surgery for injuries including a broken femur and pelvis. Now friends are raising money to support a man who has long supported his family, and his country.

“He’s a great husband and dad, a veteran he served our country,” Lyons adds, “I can’t think of anyone else who deserves it more than he does.”

If you’d like to help the Anderson family, click HERE.

Tuesday’s crash remains under investigation by the Oregon State Police.