Realtor Pruett ‘critical’
Pruett
By Emma Breysse, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
July 17, 2012
A prominent Jackson real estate broker and planning commissioner is in critical condition after a motorcycle accident late Sunday night.
Michael Pruett, a broker with Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates, was flown to the University of Utah Hospital with a “significant” head injury and a neck fracture sustained in the wreck, according to police.
Hospital spokeswoman Kathy Wilets described Pruett’s condition as “critical” Monday afternoon, but refused further comment.
Pruett, 45, was unresponsive at the scene of the accident and bleeding from the head, according to police. There is no mention in reports of whether Pruett was wearing a helmet. Police said the accident occurred when a car failed to yield the right of way and turned in front of Pruett.
The crash occurred at the intersection of Millward Street and Hansen Avenue. Police tested the driver, a 29-year-old Moran resident, for intoxication. They do not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.
The Teton County prosecutor’s office has the case for review, but as of press time Monday had not filed any charges.
Pruett’s co-workers waited for news and hoped for the best Monday, Jackson Hole Real Estate spokeswoman Julie Faupel said.
“Michael is a vibrant and well-respected member of our community and, more importantly, a good friend to all of us,” she said. “We are all keeping Michael and his family in our thoughts, and keep this story close to our hearts as we wait for more news.”
Faupel called Pruett an “integral” part of Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates and a “very important” member of the valley’s professional real estate community.
Pruett is recently married to Dawn Paxton-Pruett, and has several nieces and nephews in his native St. Louis.
Along with his real estate work, Pruett is a six-year veteran of the town of Jackson Planning Commission and a former commission chairman. He is also a past member of several nonprofit boards, including the Community Safety Network, and a former small business owner. He ran an unsuccessful campaign for town council in 2010.
