CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — A 66-year-old grandfather died Saturday morning in a car crash as he tried to drive himself to the emergency room before suffering a heart attack.
Police said Bird Smith, a delivery truck driver for Inland Seafood, felt chest pains at work and attempted to drive himself the three miles to Presbyterian Hospital.
He swerved off the road and crashed into a tree on Parkwood Avenue in NoDa.
Co-workers said Smith worked for Inland Seafood for the last four years, often working side-by-side with his son Drew.
"He'll be missed. He was a good worker. He was dedicated to the job," said White, a fellow delivery driver.
Family members said Smith was loading up his truck and getting ready to make a delivery to Raleigh Saturday morning when he began having chest pains.
He hopped in his car and tried to drive to the emergency room.
"He was so close. Unfortunately, God decided it was his time to go," White said. "It's always tough when you lose somebody that you know, and you see quite often."
Police don't know if Smith had a heart attack before driving off the road, or if he died from the impact.
A Medic representative said they "discourages anyone from driving themselves to the hospital if they are experiencing chest pains." They said it's important to call 911 and ask for a paramedic evaluation, even if you're close to a hospital.
Inland Seafood was closed Saturday. It's unclear if Smith spoke with co-workers before trying to drive to the hospital.
Police said they won't know how he died until the medical examiner finishes his report, which could take another week.
WSOC
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
