Molly Grabill, a runner on the Ducks’ cross country and track teams, is reportedly in good condition after a rock hit her car and broke her windshield on Interstate 5 just south of Rice Hill on Monday night.
According to Oregon State Police, a person threw a rock from an I-5 overpass, which broke Grabill’s windshield and hit her in the face, causing her to loose control of her car.
Grabill was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend in Springfield, according to police. The passenger in her car, Chris Brewer, was treated and released for minor injuries Monday night. Brewer is also a runner on the cross country and track teams.
Update (4:31 p.m.): The University issued a press release with statements from SID Greg Walker, athletic director Rob Mullens and track and field coach Robert Johnson.
“Many have asked, so I wanted to confirm that Molly Grabill and Chris Brewer are members of the UO track and cross country teams,” Walker wrote. “I can also tell you that Molly is expected to make a full recovery (amazingly, Chris was uninjured). We are extremely thankful for that.”
Contrary to early reports, the rock that smashed Grabill’s windshield is believed to have been thrown at the car.
“It is difficult to comprehend when a random act such as this one happens to anyone, let alone members of our athletic family,” Johnson’s statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Molly and Chris for a speedy recovery. They have the wonderful support of family, friends, teammates and coaches and we are very thankful both are expected to recover. I urge anyone with information on this incident to please come forward and contact the Oregon State Police so that no one else gets hurt.”
“We’re a tight-knit, family oriented team and this has been a real shock for all of us,” Mullens added. “The outcome could have been much worse.”
Anyone with information about persons or vehicles near the mentioned locations is asked to call OSP Detective Tom Willis at 541-440-3334 or the OSP Southern Command Center dispatch at 541-440-3333.