An 18-year-old woman has been severely injured in a car crash in Texas, just days before she was set to begin her college studies. Rebekah Burge, who was driving with supplies for her upcoming term at the University of North Texas, was involved in a collision on Sunday, 2 August, when another vehicle allegedly ran a red light.
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The incident occurred around 10 p.m. local time at the intersection of State Highway 114 and Winding Meadows Drive, approximately 25 miles north of Fort Worth. According to reports, the other driver, 26-year-old Maleyna Sotelo, disregarded a traffic signal, striking Rebekah’s car on the driver’s side. Following the crash, Rebekah was taken in critical condition to Baylor Grapevine Hospital, where she has undergone extensive medical treatment.
Rebekah’s parents, Kevin and Stacy Burge, revealed in a fundraising appeal that their daughter required more than 70 units of blood during surgery, and doctors had to remove her spleen. They described the gravity of her condition and the initial hours following the accident as “extremely urgent.” Hospital staff informed them of serious injuries, including pelvic crush injuries and a diaphragm injury that caused her intestines to move into her thoracic cavity.
Shockingly, Rebekah had just graduated from James M. Steele Early College High School, holding both her high school diploma and an associate’s degree. She had been eagerly anticipating her acceptance into the Honors College at the University of North Texas, where she planned to study biology and pursue a career as an emergency physician.
Describing their daughter as an exceptional individual known for her kindness, the Burge family expressed their heartbreak at seeing Rebekah, who has endeavoured to dedicate her life to helping others, now fighting for her own survival. They established a fundraising page to alleviate the financial burden from the overwhelming medical expenses, future rehabilitation needs, and lost income they face due to the accident.
In a subsequent update on 4 August, the family shared that Rebekah had come out of surgery with some encouraging news: doctors had successfully repaired her diaphragm, and reports indicated that her abdominal swelling was less severe than initially feared. Fortunately, it was also confirmed that Rebekah did not require a colostomy bag and that her brain injuries were classified as minor and stable.
As the family continued to navigate this traumatic experience, they expressed their gratitude towards those who have offered support. They emphasised that contributions to the fundraiser would assist with the financial implications of Rebekah’s medical journey and recovery.
On 6 August, another update was posted detailing that Rebekah was scheduled for further surgery to place a stent to address an aortic tear. The family remained hopeful for her recovery and indicated that the immediate goal was to allow her body time to heal before undergoing the procedure.
Meanwhile, the Texas Department of Public Safety has launched an investigation into the crash. Maleyna Sotelo received citations for running the red light and for driving without a valid licence. In a statement to the media, Sotelo expressed her sorrow for the accident and extended her thoughts and prayers to Rebekah Burge and her family. She acknowledged the emotional toll the situation has had on all involved, including her own family, who are also recovering from the incident.
As the investigations continue, the Burge family remains focused on Rebekah’s recovery and building a support network to help her through this challenging time. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and the profound impacts such incidents can have on individuals and families.