After a Santa Clarita father swerved to absorb most of the crash impact caused by a wrong-way driver on the 14 Freeway, his 17-year-old daughter, Ava, is home from the hospital less than two weeks later.
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Phillip “Rich” Ellyson remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after sustaining serious injuries in the wrong-way crash on Sept. 30.
“We are so grateful for all the love, prayers and generosity sent by so many families and friends of Rich and Ava,” said Paige Ellyson, his other daughter.
See Related: Community Rallies Behind Santa Clarita Father, Daughter After Wrong-Way Crash
The family has even received support from those who do not know them personally, but simply wish to help people that have suffered a serious tragedy, Paige said.
“Your words of encouragement, well wishes and prayers have helped us make it through each difficult day,” she said.
Rich and Ava were on the 14 Freeway heading to a dirt bike race just before 5 a.m. last month when 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.”
Ava, a William S. Hart High School senior, is doing well and is expected to go back to school soon, said Paige.
See Related: Person Killed In 14 Freeway Crash Caused By Wrong-Way Driver Identified
Rich remains in the ICU after suffering two broken legs, two broken ankles, a broken wrist, broken pelvis, broken ribs and internal bleeding.
“Rich remains in the ICU,” said Paige. “He had surgery on his pelvis … and the doctor said that it went very well. This is the second in a series of surgeries he will need to get him on the road to recovery.”
A family friend has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical expenses and the cost of Rich being out of work while he recovers.
“He has a long road ahead,” said Paige. “Please continue to pray for Rich.”
To donate to the family’s GoFundMe campaign, click here.
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