Kanan Accident Update: Drivers' Names Released

The Reseda man who was thrown from his car and injured in a two-vehicle crash on Kanan Road last Tuesday is recovering from his injuries; the other driver, an Oak Park man, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Philip Hayes, 48, the driver of a GMC Denali was airlifted to UCLA Medical Center in the accident that occurred just before 3 p.m. Nov. 20 on Kanan Road near Thousand Oaks Boulevard, according to Sgt. Philip Brooks of the Lost Hills/Malibu Sheriff's Station's traffic division.

"I am at home arranging the necessary follow ups, etc," Hayes wrote in an email to Patch. "For the record, I have a broken scapula, four cracked ribs, ligament damage to my knee and the usual bruising and abrasions ..."

The other driver, Brian Birdsall, 37, the sole occupant of a Nissan, was arrested on suspicion of DUI, said Brooks.

"All the witnesses said the party that caused the crash was traveling at a high rate of speed. He was passing people on the right," said Det. Michael Raines, also with traffic division.

A blood sample was taken at the scene, which will be analyzed in the coming days, he said.

In the comment section of Agoura Hills Patch, Hayes wrote:

"Thank you for every thoughtful and kind individual that assisted me in Oak Park this past Tuesday. For anyone that stopped to comfort, collect my animals or witness in any way. To the apt first responders, Sherrif's Department members, Firemen, Paramedics, air transport personnel and fine doctors and staff at UCLA Medical Center, may God bless and keep you in safety always. To my family and friends, Thank you, with all of my love. To those bystanders and merchants that selflessly chose to stand in the gap, I will attempt contact and to thank you personally, as soon as I am able. Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and best to all of you this holiday season. You are all really something! God Bless, Philip Maurice Hayes."