To the editor:

On Jan. 9, 2026, my father and brother William and Rick Goodrich were in a fatal car accident on state Route 30. I was behind them and drove upon the accident. Thanks to the quick response of Paul Smiths and Saranac Lake fire and rescue, they were transported to Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.

I arrived before the rescue and from the moment I walked into the hospital a mess, the staff came to me, comforted me and helped me. Once the rescue arrived, the ER kicked into action and Dr. Hill was there, asking me the hard questions that needed to be asked while still comforting me. I only knew one of the nurses, Maykala Dobson, but they were all amazing, even though my dad passed and my brother was transported.

I want everyone to know what AMC is like during a tragedy. They are compassionate and very good at their jobs. They made every effort possible to save my father AND care for my brother while getting him ready for transport to Albany Medical.

I wish I knew each and everyone of them so I could I could thank them. So thank you Saranac Lake Emergency Room staff for your caring and compassionate actions.

Michelle Goodrich Oehler

Potsdam