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POCATELLO — A 12-year-old Pocatello boy has a long road of recovery ahead of him after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle last week.
Breann Evans told EastIdahoNews.com her son Dominic De La Cruz was injured in the crash. The incident happened on the evening of Sept. 3, according to a GoFundMe, which called it a "freak car versus bicycle accident." Pocatello police said the incident happened on Pine Street and Wilson Avenue.
Evans doesn't know all the details surrounding the accident, other than Dominic was on his bike, possibly headed back to his grandma's home.
"He was on his bike and got to an intersection and a car hit him," she said. "Apparently he flew over the car."
She added, "The cops called me and told me that he had been in an accident and to get to the hospital."
Dominic was rushed to Portneuf Medical Center where it was discovered he had a brain bleed and a fractured skull.
"They had to do emergency surgery on him … to relieve the pressure and drain the blood off his brain or he would have died in the helicopter on the way to Salt Lake," Evans said.
While in Pocatello, Dominic was put into a medically induced coma. After the brain surgery, he was flown to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City where he remained in a medically induced coma for a few days.
"He's up walking and talking now," Evans said. "(Doctors are saying) his brain looks good. We just have a long road of recovery."
Dominic has face and ear fractures. They will know in roughly six weeks if he needs surgery for his ear, as well.
Evans said her son does not remember the accident, and on Monday he just barely started to realize he was in a hospital.
"We are doing all right. It's stressful. Everybody had to go back to Pocatello, so it's just me and him now (at the hospital)," said Evans, who has other kids besides Dominic.
Dominic is expected to remain in the hospital for a few more weeks, but Evans said it's a waiting game right now as to what happens next.
A GoFundMe* has been organized to help the family with "traveling, hotels, gas, food and anything else needed for his recovery."
"Thanks for the support. It's appreciated," Evans said. "Keep praying."
Pocatello police said the incident remains under investigation.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
