Andy Gannon: 'I'm a better Andy, post-bridge'

Andy Gannon has done the math. Often.

First, his gas tank was nearly dry. So, before heading north to a funeral in Roseville after work, he stopped to fuel up. Then, as he waited in the turn lane on Washington Avenue, four cars squeezed past him, illegally making a left turn onto the 35W on-ramp ahead of his silver Chrysler Pacifica. He was delayed just enough. "They saved my life," he said.

That's because, after only a few minutes waiting in stalled traffic after getting onto the bridge, Gannon heard a loud cracking sound — then a boom — as the bridge started undulating in waves before his section dropped 50 feet to West River Parkway below.

"My life flashed before my eyes, for sure," he said. "I yelled, 'No! No! No!' and slammed on the brakes to avoid rolling into the car in front of me."

Within seconds, silence. Yet, except for bumping his head on the ceiling of his car, Gannon was unhurt.

In the years since, he has received therapy to come to terms with the guilt he feels for survival. But he also renews a promise to embrace life, to love his wife and daughters and to not let little things, like someone cutting in front of him in traffic, poison his mood.

"I truly appreciate life. It sounds cheesy, but it's so real," said Gannon, who now talks to groups about embracing the good in life. "I'm a better Andy, post-bridge."