LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD/Gray News) – A college student in Texas is recovering in a rehab facility after a crash took place earlier this month, leaving him with severe burns.
James and Kristi Poole said their son, Aidan, was headed to the Texas Tech campus Sunday, Sept. 7 after he dog-sat for them in Amarillo.
On his way to the university, authorities said Aidan Poole was rear-ended by a suspected intoxicated driver, and his car caught fire in Hale County.
Kristi Poole said her son’s determination to get out of his car saved his life.
“He struggled trying to get the door unlocked,” she said. “He knew how to keep his eyes closed because there was so much fire.”
Aidan Poole spent weeks in the hospital’s burn center before transferring to an inpatient rehab facility.
His parents now travel back and forth throughout town on a daily basis, traveling between work and the rehab facility to visit him.
“We get up to the hospital about 6 in the morning and just visit him for a little while,” Kristi Poole said. “Then, we head to work then we come back here after work to Amarillo, stay for the evening, have dinner with him, we don’t leave his room, then we go back to the Airbnb then start it all over again.”
When his parents are unable to be by his bedside, Aidan Poole’s longtime girlfriend acts as his caregiver.
The family said Aidan Poole’s ordeal has been challenging, but they are grateful for all the support on social media and the monetary donations to help pay for his medical bills.
“We’re overwhelmed with gratitude and thankfulness. I can’t thank them enough for the help. Family, friends, coworkers, people we have never met. Thank you,” his parents said.
A GoFundMe has been established to help pay for the family’s food, lodging, travel and legal fees as they help Aidan Poole recover.
Police said the suspect in the crash, identified as Thomas Rich, was arrested and charged with intoxication assault.
Rich was reported to be out on bond as of Tuesday, Sept. 9.