A GoFundMe has surpassed $20,000 to help the Cowichan Valley family of a 15-year-old girl seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash.
It happened the afternoon of May 10 at Highway 18 and Hillcrest Road, in the Cowichan Valley.
An RCMP release says when first responders arrived it was learnt that a Hyundai Sante Fe carrying four occupants had struck a GMC truck.
“It was apparent that the driver of the GMC truck failed to stop at a stop sign while turning left onto Hillcrest Road. The Sante Fe was unable to stop in time, resulting in the collision,” said Cpl. James Grandy, an RCMP E-Division spokesperson.
The driver of the truck died from their injuries. Occupants of the Sante Fe suffered serious, non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation so far does not suggest that substances were a contributing factor.
“Imagine receiving a call that your 15-year-old daughter has been in a serious accident. First, you are told she is OK, but then the X-rays come back, revealing a broken spine and severe internal injuries,” reads the online fundraiser.
“As you try to process this devastating news, you find out she is turning yellow. She is rushed into emergency surgery, and once stabilized, she is flown to Children’s Hospital in Vancouver for spinal surgery.”
The GoFundMe says the surgery was a success and the girl was able to move her feet, however, she still faces months of rehabilitation.
Organizers of the GoFundMe say they are hoping to raise money for the family, which also includes two other children, and who is staying in Vancouver and incurring costs for accommodations, travel to the hospital, food, and more.
SEE ALSO: ‘Wonderful boy’: Family and friends remember Mill Bay teen killed in crash
Kendall Hanson
