Point Reyes Light - November 7, 2002

Pt. Reyes hunter shoots self in face accidentally

By Andrew Pridgen

A 64-year-old Point Reyes Station resident accidentally shot himself in the right side of his face last Thursday while duck hunting on the Giacomini Ranch at the edge of town.

Deputies reported that as retired truck driver Jim Maestri, a longtime duck hunter, began to crouch in a clearing near the late rancher Waldo Giacomini’s "duck shack," Maestri’s 12 gauge shotgun went off, blasting away about a third of his face.

Although he went into shock, Maestri remained conscious as paramedics and deputies were summoned at 4:10 p.m.

Maestri was initially airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital but on Friday was transferred to the California Pacific Medical Center’s Davies Campus, where a team of surgeons has since been working with only short breaks to clean the wound of birdshot and prepare Maestri for reconstruction of his jaw and face.

Maestri’s wife Carolyn on Tuesday told The Light her husband’s condition has not changed, and much surgery remains before progress is evident. However, she added, the tragedy has really shown her family how much the community can be counted on in times of crisis.

"Each day someone takes me to the hospital where I’m told of his updated condition," she said. "It’s a long process. Right now, they’re still doing surgeries to clean up what’s there. It’s going to take awhile, that’s for sure. It’s going to require a lot more surgeries."

Family friend Carol Giacomini is organizing a blood drive for Maestri, and the public can go to any Northern California blood bank to contribute to the cause. Those interested in helping must be sure to designate that their donation is for Maestri, for even if they have a different bloodtype from Maestri, he will receive credit at the blood bank for every pint donated.

"The family called and requested that we do this," Giacomini said. "He’s such a good man we need to do what we can to help him."

Officials from California Pacific Medical Center said Maestri is listed in stable condition. However spokeswoman Chris McMurray said his condition is changes frequently because Maestri is constantly in and out of surgery.

"We only know so much moment to moment," McMurray said. "He’s listed as stable, but that is prone to change."

"It’s a confusing time, but [Jim] is at the best place there is [for the necessary treatment]," said his wife, "and he’s surrounded by a team of doctors, surgeons and specialists that are the best."

Maestri lost consciousness en route to Santa Rosa Memorial, and his wife said, "He hasn’t come out of it yet, but we’re hoping. The people of the community continue to lend their support. People here are wonderful and we thank them for their giving and their prayers."

Ironically, last Thursday’s hunt was supposed to be a farewell celebration for a group of West Marin men that had long gathered at the duck shack after a hunt. The land is scheduled to be turned over to the Park Service, which plans to recreate wetlands on the property, beginning next year.

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