(SitNews) - Approximately a month after being medivaced to Harbor View Hospital in Seattle after sustaining critical injuries in a nearly head-on collision near Klawock, Johnny Bean Botello, 18 of Thorne Bay, succumbed to his critical injuries Friday, according to the King County Medical Examiner's Office in Washington. Botello passed on July 17th, at approximately 7:55 a.m. His next of kin were notified.

Johnny Botello pictured after a hunting trip, November 2014
Photo courtesy Bottello's FaceBook Profile

Botello, who was originally from Port Protection, lived in Thorne Bay and attended Thorne Bay High School. He worked as a fishing deckhand and enjoyed hunting.

He sustained his critical injuries on June 20th while on his way to work on Prince of Wales Island during a two vehicle collision. The Prince of Wales Post Alaska State Troopers responded to the collision at mile 9 Boundary Road, near Klawock.

Their investigation revealed Botello was operating a 1993 Nissan pickup southbound on Boundary Road when for unknown reasons, Botello crossed the centerline and drove into the northbound lane. Timothy Burns, age 63, of Klawock was operating a 1996 Kenworth Logging Truck northbound on Boundary Road and was stuck nearly head-on by Botello.

Investigation also revealed Botello was not wearing a seatbelt and received injuries that required he be medivaced to Seattle for medical care where he was listed in critical condition.

Burns was wearing a seatbelt and sustained no injuries.

Both vehicles were totaled as a result of the collision and were impounded.

Alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the June 20th collision resulting in the critical injuries and leading to the death of Botello approximately one month later.

Neighbors in Port Protection have been planning a Neighbor Action Auction on Saturday, September 12, 2015, to help with Botello's medical expenses at the Wooden Wheel Cove Trading Post in Port Protection. If you would like to donate an item to be auctioned, please contact Gretchen Goldstein in Port Protection at 907-489-2252.

Source of News:

Alaska Department of Public Safety
www.dps.state.ak.us

Neighbors in Port Protection

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