Dempsey dedicates win to brother

Drew Lawson, The Record-Times | Last updated Nov 30, 2023 9:40am0

Courtesy Tim Dempsey count

Cory Dempsey (left) and Tim Dempsey (right) are shown after Cory's first-place bowling finish in the Special Olympics State Fall Games.

ODESSA - Special Olympics veterans Tim and Cory Dempsey were days away from another trip to the Nov. 18 State Fall Games in Kennewick, where the elder, 34-year-old Tim, would be competing in flag football and the younger, 32-year-old Cory, would be competing in bowling.

But first, the local brothers had a birthday party to attend in Federal Way. After the celebration, the two began to make their way back to Odessa as the sun went down Wednesday, Nov. 15.

When they reached Snoqualmie Pass at milepost 54 of Interstate 90, their Nissan Altima hit a patch of black ice.

"Our car flipped five times," Cory Dempsey said.

Upon impact of the first flip, Tim Dempsey was knocked unconscious.

"I don't remember anything after that," he said.

Cory Dempsey remembers it vividly, however. He began to scream at Tim to wake up while the two were trapped inside the Altima.

"I was yelling at him, because he was unconscious," Cory Dempsey said. "He wasn't responding."

Eventually, Tim managed to wake up and bash his window in, stumble out of the car and cut Cory out of the car with Cory's knife.

"He says that with me yelling at him, I saved his life," Cory Dempsey said. "I gave him a big hug and told him, 'you cut me out. You saved my life.'"

Having arguably saved each other's life, Tim and Cory Dempsey awaited arrival from State Patrol and paramedics.

"We're very thankful for the medics," Tim Dempsey said.

Their mother, Elizabeth Dempsey, eventually met her sons at Snoqualmie Valley Hospital. They spent the night in Issaquah before heading back to Odessa after making tow truck arrangements.

Tim was badly beaten up. He suffered a severe concussion that still plagues him and injured his knee.

He said the pain from his knee injury gradually moved up his leg to his hip and onto his back. The migraines caused by his concussion often last three to five days, and he wears a patch to avoid falling into dizziness that prevents him from standing up straight.

"I can't think off the top of my head anymore," Tim Dempsey said. "I've never had that before."

Cory, meanwhile, injured his left shoulder and bruised his chest after the child lock engaged secured his seat belt around him in the crash.

But a doctor cleared Cory to continue to the Special Olympics. Due to his injuries, Tim Dempsey couldn't make the trip.

So, Cory decided to dedicate his performance to his brother.

"He kept us safe," Cory Dempsey said. "So, when we left on Friday, I gave him a big hug and said, 'I'm dedicating these Games to you.'"

Cory Dempsey arrived for the bowling competition Saturday, Nov. 18 with Tim weighing on his heart and mind. And with his promised dedication, he bowled three games against two other competitors.

He took first place.

"My scores were 160, 148 and 125," Cory Dempsey said. "That combined for 433."

Cory returned to Odessa a Special Olympics champion, where his brother was awaiting him.

"I was so happy for him," Tim Dempsey said. "Coming back from a huge wreck and going and winning the championship, that's everything."

Tim, an employee at Odessa Foods, is still recovering from the car crash, but said he's been blown away by the support of the town.

"I really want to thank the Town of Odessa," Tim Dempsey said. "They stepped right up."

A meal train was set up for Tim and Cory Dempsey at mealtrain.com. Those interested in providing the brothers a meal can sign up for dates through Monday, Dec. 11.

"People show up all the time to see how we're doing," Tim Dempsey said. "I get countless messages, and sometimes it's people I've never heard of before or people I've met through the store asking how I'm doing and if we need anything, they're here...you hardly see something like this in the big city. It's beautiful to see."