Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
- The Chacon family is seeking support for their son Evan, who was critically injured this week in a Cache County crash.
- Evan, suffering multiple severe injuries, is experiencing medically induced sedation to help with his recovery.
RICHMOND, Cache County — The family of a boy who was critically injured in a crash last week is asking for help as he fights for his life.
On Nov. 12, a southbound driver on U.S. 91 near 8600 North, south of Richmond, veered to the right and then overcorrected before crashing into a northbound vehicle, according to the Utah Highway Patrol.
Both drivers were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, but a passenger in the southbound vehicle was in critical condition. The crash remains under investigation.
Jeff Fullmer, a close family friend, created an online fundraiser* for Evan Chacon, the boy passenger with life-threatening injuries.
The 14-year-old has a traumatic brain injury, a skull fracture, bone damage in his right ear, four broken ribs, a punctured lung, a shattered pelvis, lacerations to the spleen and liver and internal bleeding, according to the fundraiser.
Evan will need surgeries to repair his pelvis and skull, but he was put in medically induced sedation for a few days due to the swelling in his brain. His mother Gloria Chacon is a single mom who has been by Evan's side since he arrived at the hospital.
"I thank our Heavenly Father for giving him a chance to fight for his life. All we can do now is pray, wait, and be by his side. I believe in the power of prayer and that all things are possible with the help of God. Please help us pray for our beloved son, Evan," she said in the fundraiser.
Since Monday, Evan has moved around, woken up a few times and been able to communicate through his eyes and hands. On Wednesday, a chest X-ray showed a decrease in fluid present, and he had his first surgery to repair his pelvis Thursday, his mother said.
Fullmer created the fundraiser to help the Chacon family with medical expenses and cover time spent away from work while supporting Evan through his recovery.
Evan had been riding in a car with his 17-year-old friend, who was driving at the time of the accident, according to the GoFundMe* page. The Chacon family said police told them it was amazing Evan survived the crash due to the damage the car sustained.
"I am overwhelmed with the amount of support, love, prayers, energy and all the good stuff the community has sent our way. It is a true testament to the power of prayer. We all can't wait for him to begin his rehabilitation. He is still able to show his amazing personality through this horrible incident and it makes my Mama heart so happy," Chacon said.
*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.
