A Michigan community has rallied behind a 16-year-old injured recently in a crash.
The Michigan Center star high school athlete was driving his 1999 Ford Taurus when it was hit head-on by a pickup truck hauling a trailer. He was trapped inside his car and had to be freed. He was taken to Henry Ford Allegiance Health, where he initially was listed in critical condition.
The teenager has had a number of surgeries to save his life. Dozens of community members held a vigil at the hospital to support him and his family.
That support continues. The community has arranged raffles, a silent auction, T-shirt sales, a bowling outing and a benefit dinner to raise funds to help the young man and his family.
“Our community always comes together to support anybody in need and that was evident,” Michigan Center’s athletic director told MLive. “It’s also the other schools in Jackson County as well as Homer and some of the out-reaching districts we compete against. It’s just a tribute to what we have in the Jackson area.”
The victim, who is a member of the school’s basketball team, got a visit from his teammates before a recent game to raise his spirits. A local native who is a captain on the Michigan State football team also paid a visit and brought him a jersey signed by the team.
His recovery could take months, however. He has started to walk again and has taken a few steps. That’s great news for the family, which undoubtedly has been lifted by the community support.
There’s no telling, at this point, how long his recovery will take. His medical bills already must be extraordinary, and they only will get bigger as he endures more time in the hospital as well as physical therapy. It is unknown at this point if he will be able to play the sports he loves again. His family will need continued emotional and financial support, and an attorney who works with car accident cases can help hold the at-fault driver responsible.
