- February 3, 2025
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“The truck saved my life,” Alberto Strickhouser said.
On Friday, May 17, he was hit in a head on collision, and he's still recovering, but the community's support has been inspiring, according to his wife, Angelina.
The day started out like “any ordinary crazy, busy Friday” for the Strickhouser family. For Alberto, it was going to be another 16-hour work day at his pizza shop, Alberto’s Pizza. Angelina asked if they could meet for coffee on his break, so around 1:50 p.m. he headed west on Taylor Road, only a few minutes from his home.
In a split-second he saw a car in the eastbound lane swerve into the oncoming traffic. He braced for impact and was hit head-on.
The accident occurred just before Spruce Creek Elementary School students were let out of class, so there were people everywhere, according to Angelina. Fortunately, he was only going about 20 mph.
The car pushed Alberto's large, lifted truck up onto the curb. The airbags deployed, and both cars were totaled. Angelina was expecting him at home within minutes, so she knew something was wrong. Since they live so close to where the crash occurred, she was able to make it to the scene before first responders arrived. She was in disbelief at what she saw.
“I dropped to my knees and thanked God," she said.
First responders used the Jaws of Life to extract the other driver from the car that was mangled.
“Our first responders were excellent and truly are angels on earth,” Angelina said.
She said this is the third time Alberto had been hit head on by another vehicle.
"He loved that truck," she said. "It was his dream truck, but it is replaceable. He is not.”
After the crash, Angelina accompanied Alberto to the hospital, where medical staff in the emergency room had already heard the news and seen pictures of the crash on social media.
“They were surprised Alberto was able to walk in within the same hour after the accident," she said. "God is good.”
Alberto his family are still dealing with the aftermath. Angelina explained that it hasn’t been easy telling their two toddlers “no” when their kids want to play on the floor with their daddy. It’s also difficult for him to do the things he used to do at work and with the family.
Their oldest son, 4-year-old Alberto, told his pre-K class what happened, and, the following week, the entire class made “Get well soon” cards for his father.
“We have received countless support and well wishes from this whole, beautiful community,” Angelina said. “Alberto is a private person and is overwhelmed and humbled by the love. We are grateful for everyone who reached out. It’s truly a reminder to cherish your loved ones because you just never know.”
