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Drunk driver hits and kills burn specialist Gary Purdue in Dallas

A tragic motorcycle accident has taken the life of a well-known Dallas burn specialist.  Dr. Gary Purdue, the chief of the burn section at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and co-director of the Parkland Memorial Hospital burn unit in Dallas, died when he was struck down by a drunk driver.

Dr. Purdue was on his motorcycle on a Sunday morning, when he was hit by Justin Heaton.  Heaton ran a stop sign at Webb Chapel Road, just south of Royal Lane, striking Purdue and his motorcycle.  After striking Purdue, Heaton then ran into another vehicle.

The force of the impact sent Purdue through a wooden fence in a nearby resident’s yard, killing him.  Purdue was wearing a helmet and protective pads when he was hit, but it was not enough to save him.  He was pronounced dead at Parkland Memorial Hospital – where he had been co-director of the burn unit for 22 years.

Heaton was arrested by police after the accident, who state that Heaton was intoxicated when he hit Purdue.  As a result, Heaton has been charged with intoxication manslaughter.  This was not Heaton’s first offense, however he was released on a $25,000 bond less than 48 hours after being arrested.

Purdue is survived by his wife and children; he will also be remembered by the many men, women and children whose lives he saved or made better with his skill and compassion.

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