A 12-year-old boy from Texas is advocating for helmet safety following a severe accident while riding his e-scooter last month. Creed Clark, of Lewisville, suffered critical injuries after encountering a pothole, leading to a fractured skull and a brain bleed that necessitated emergency brain surgery.
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The unfortunate incident occurred on 28 July when Creed was visiting his father and riding with friends. While a friend’s mother had initially provided him with a helmet, he chose to remove it as he felt it looked unflattering. “I thought I looked goofy in it… because it’s like a blue helmet, and it looked weird,” he later explained. This decision proved to be detrimental.
Creed’s mother, Brittany Rowe, shared the harrowing details of the accident, explaining that he crashed while riding without a helmet. Following the incident, he was airlifted to Dallas Children’s Hospital, where he underwent immediate surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. Rowe stated that surgeons removed a portion of his skull during the procedure, which was later stored in his abdomen to allow for swelling.
Describing the experience, Rowe recounted feeling “terrified” as she watched her son being treated, surrounded by medical equipment and blood. The emotional toll on the family was immense, and Rowe noted that there were times when they feared for Creed’s life.
After spending three weeks in the hospital, he was finally able to return home. An update on the family’s online fundraiser indicated that Creed is now engaged in outpatient physical and occupational therapy, as well as follow-up appointments with a neurosurgeon.
The family has set up a fundraiser not only to cover ongoing medical expenses but also to address the significant costs associated with the airlift, which they noted were not covered by their insurance. Rowe revealed that the base cost for such airlift services typically ranges between £12,700 and £15,800.
In a warning shared with the public, Rowe highlighted the dangers of e-bikes and scooters, particularly the speed at which they can travel. “They go a lot faster than what people think,” she remarked, emphasising the vital importance of wearing protective gear while riding.
In the wake of this traumatic experience, Creed has taken to encouraging others, particularly children, to wear helmets consistently. “Wear the helmet all the time,” he advised to NBC affiliate KXAS, showing a maturity that belies his age.
Brittany Rowe reflected on how this ordeal has showcased Creed’s strength and resilience. She expressed her gratitude for his recovery, detailing how joyful it is to see him walk, talk, and engage with family once again. “Now I get to watch him walk through our house, talk to us, laugh with us, play video games, and remind me every single day just how blessed we are that he is still here,” she stated.
The Clarks’ story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety measures when using e-scooters and similar modes of transportation, encouraging both parents and children to prioritise protection and awareness to prevent similar accidents in the future.