Mother of 12-year-old hit by car while riding his bike shares update

Sep 11, 2024 at 7:03 PM

Resilient Spirit: Young Bicyclist's Remarkable Recovery After Devastating Accident

In a heartbreaking incident, a 12-year-old Pocatello boy named Dominic De La Cruz was struck by a car while riding his bicycle, leaving him with severe injuries. Despite the traumatic ordeal, Dominic's resilience and the unwavering support of his family have paved the way for a remarkable recovery journey.

Overcoming the Unthinkable: A Freak Accident and a Courageous Fight for Life

The Fateful Collision

On the evening of September 3rd, Dominic was riding his bicycle when he was struck by a car at the intersection of Pine Street and Wilson Avenue in Pocatello, Idaho. The incident, described as a "freak car versus bicycle accident," left the young boy with life-threatening injuries.

Rushed to the Hospital

Dominic was immediately rushed to Portneuf Medical Center, where doctors discovered that he had suffered a brain bleed and a fractured skull. The situation was critical, and emergency surgery was performed to relieve the pressure and drain the blood from his brain, as he was in danger of not surviving the helicopter ride to Salt Lake City.

Coma and Airlifting

After the initial surgery, Dominic was placed in a medically induced coma and airlifted to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, where he remained in a coma for a few days. His mother, Breann Evans, described the harrowing experience, stating, "They had to do emergency surgery on him … to relieve the pressure and drain the blood off his brain or he would have died in the helicopter on the way to Salt Lake."

Facing Ongoing Challenges

In addition to the brain injury, Dominic also sustained face and ear fractures, and the doctors are unsure if he will require additional surgery for his ear. The road to recovery has been long and arduous, with Dominic struggling to regain his memory and awareness of his surroundings.

A Family's Unwavering Support

Breann Evans, Dominic's mother, has been by his side throughout this ordeal, while the rest of the family has had to return to Pocatello. The emotional and financial strain on the family has been immense, as they navigate the challenges of Dominic's recovery and the associated costs.

Community Rallies for Support

In response to the family's needs, a GoFundMe campaign has been organized to help with the expenses related to Dominic's recovery, including travel, accommodation, and other necessary expenses. The community has rallied behind the family, offering prayers and financial support to ease the burden during this difficult time.

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite the initial severity of Dominic's injuries, there are signs of progress in his recovery. Breann reported that Dominic is now "up walking and talking," and the doctors have indicated that his brain looks good. However, the family remains cautious, as they understand that the road ahead is still long and uncertain.

Resilience and Determination

Dominic's story is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the power of determination. Through the unwavering support of his family and the community, he has fought against the odds and is making strides towards recovery. As the family continues to navigate this challenging journey, their hope and strength serve as an inspiration to all who hear their story.