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Photo Courtesy Of GoFundMe

Community Rallies Behind Santa Clarita Father, Daughter After Wrong-Way Crash

A Santa Clarita father is in critical condition after swerving to save his daughter following a wrong-way driver hitting them head-on early Sunday morning.


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Rich Ellyson, and his 17-year-old daughter Ava, were on the 14 Freeway heading to a dirt bike race when, just before 5 a.m. Sunday, a driver entered the highway in the wrong direction.  

“Rich swerved the car so he would take most of the hit instead of his daughter,” said family friend Katelyn Cole. “Responders were called by bystanders who rushed to find them upside down dangling in their Toyota Tundra.”

They both had to be cut out and rushed to Henry Mayo Hospital in Santa Clarita, Cole said.

Ava, a senior at Hart High School, sustained a severely broken arm that required surgery and minor cuts and bruises. Rich, however, is in critical condition in the ICU.

“He is currently intubated, with two broken legs, two broken ankles, a broken wrist, broken pelvis, broken ribs, and internal bleeding,” Cole said.

Related: UPDATE: Person Killed In 14 Freeway Crash Caused By Wrong-Way Driver Identified

Rich underwent surgery, and has many more to follow, according to Cole.

Even after numerous surgeries to repair everything, he will have to be in rehab and physical therapy for months to regain somewhat of normal function, she said.

“This means he will not be able to work to support himself or his family for a long time,” Cole said.

Both Rich and Ava need support to help with their upcoming medical bills.

“They both have a long recovery ahead of them, and I know they would be grateful if you could help them through this very tough time,” she said. “Anything helps.”

To donate to the family’s GoFundMe campaign, click here.

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Community Rallies Behind Santa Clarita Father, Daughter After Wrong-Way Crash

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About Devon Miller

Devon Miller was born and raised in Santa Clarita. He joined KHTS Radio as a digital marketing intern in September of 2017, and later moved to news as a staff writer in December. Miller attended College of the Canyons and served as the Associated Student Government President. Miller is now News Director for KHTS, covering breaking news and politics across the Santa Clarita Valley.