Seventeen-year-old Klaw Reh, who faced immense challenges following a life-altering accident, made a poignant appearance at his high school graduation in New York after nearly two years of recovery. This bittersweet moment follows a tragic incident in October 2024 when Reh was struck by a garbage truck, leading to paralysis and the loss of his leg.
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On the morning of October 2, 2024, around 8:16 a.m. local time, Reh was crossing the street near the intersection of Rhode Island Street and 14th Street in Buffalo when the truck, reversing inappropriately, struck him not just once, but twice. This harrowing event resulted in catastrophic injuries; the teenager sustained a crushed pelvis and ultimately had to undergo an amputation of his left leg above the hip. Local sources reported that he has since been left paralysed from the waist down, fundamentally altering the course of his life.
Reh recounted the terror of the moment to reporters, describing how he felt he couldn’t breathe as the truck dragged him along. Following the accident, Reh’s recovery journey saw him undergo more than 20 surgical procedures as he fought for his health and stability. His family established a GoFundMe page to help cover his ongoing medical expenses, which has raised nearly £7,000 to date.
Despite his struggle, Reh has remained committed to his recovery. However, since the accident, he has not been able to return home, as he continued to receive long-term care at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) and Terrace View Long-Term Care. He expressed feelings of isolation due to being away from his family, particularly missing moments with his siblings. “It feels really lonely. I want to be able to see my siblings at home,” he shared during an interview with local media.
On June 25, 2025, Reh achieved a significant milestone when he left the hospital for the first time to attend his high school graduation. The news was joyously shared by Leonardo da Vinci High School on social media, celebrating Klaw’s courageous spirit. A photo posted depicted him proudly holding his diploma, basking in the achievement surrounded by friends and classmates.
The atmosphere was electric at the graduation ceremony as Reh, arriving in a wheelchair, was greeted by enthusiastic cheers from the audience. His emotional speech resonated with many, as he urged his peers to persevere through adversity. “Class of 2026, congratulations to all of you. It’s been a tough road, but with the support of family, I made it through. If I can do it, anyone can do it. I hope I inspired you to keep going and never give up in life,” he said, a testament to his remarkable resilience.
In the aftermath of the tragic incident, the driver responsible, Sasiya Davis-Johnson, 48, faced legal consequences for her actions. In December 2025, she was sentenced to three years of probation and had her driving license revoked for the duration of her sentence. This outcome has raised various discussions regarding accountability and safety practices within the garbage collection industry.
As Reh continues his journey towards recovery, he remains a symbol of hope and determination. While the road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, his story serves as a reminder of the strength found in adversity and the power of community support. The young graduate plans to inspire others as he moves forward, aiming to embrace life despite the hurdles he faces.
Klaw Reh’s journey is far from over, but his spirit serves as a beacon for many, reminding them of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of never losing sight of hope.