A Santa Clarita father is out of the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital after swerving his vehicle to absorb most of the impact caused by a wrong-way driver during a fatal 14 Freeway crash in September.

Phillip “Rich” Ellyson is now out of the ICU after sustaining serious injuries in the crash on Sept. 30, which sent Rich and his 17-year-old daughter, Ava, to the hospital.

“My dad has been overwhelmed by all the love and support he has received. He continues to improve every day and is out of ICU and in a regular room now,” said his older daughter, Paige Ellyson.

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Rich Ellyson has had numerous surgeries on his right foot and ankle, and the infection he had is under control and clearing up, she said.

“The doctors are amazed at how well he’s healing,” said Paige Ellyson. “After they’re done with the skin graft on his ankle and there are no more surgeries, he will be able to transfer to a rehab facility.”

Rich and Ava Ellyson were on the 14 Freeway heading to a dirt bike race just before 5 a.m. Sept. 30 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.”

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

The wrong-way driver died at the scene, according to CHP.

Rich sustained “serious” injuries with two broken legs, two broken ankles, a broken wrist, broken pelvis, broken ribs, and internal bleeding, according to Cole.

Ava was released from the hospital less than two weeks after the crash, and has returned to school at William S. Hart High School.

“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.

See Related: Daughter Home From Hospital After Wrong-Way 14 Freeway Crash, Father Remains In ICU

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.

A family friend set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical expenses and the cost of Rich being out of work while he recovers.

“His spirits are high and he can’t wait to be moved closer to home,” Paige Ellyson said. “We are so grateful for your continued thoughts and prayers during his recovery.”

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

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