Guillermo Gama, 23, was the sole survivor of a Florida crash that killed six people Saturday night, authorities said
The sole survivor of an SUV crash that killed six people Saturday continues to fight for his life in a Florida hospital, authorities said. But there are still signs of hope for Guillermo Game’s family.
The 23-year-old remains in critical condition at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, but was able to move his toes and hands and does not require brain surgery, according to Fox affiliate WTVT-TV and NBC affiliate WFLA-TV.
“We are extremely blessed and thankful that he is still here with us,” his aunt, Jennifer Cantu, told WFLA-TV.
Gamma was intubated and has serious injuries, including a brain hemorrhage, a ruptured kidney and a contused lung, but is expected to survive, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Monday.
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“I cannot speak highly enough of the strength of the community that came together to support and pray for the victims, families and emergency responders involved in this terrible accident,” said County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We hope for the recovery of this young man and remain committed not only to the investigation but also to the recovery of all those affected.”
The train struck the 2020 Cadillac Escalade carrying Gama and other passengers around 7 p.m. local time at a railroad crossing on U.S. Highway 92 near Jim Lefler Circle in Plant City, the sheriff’s office said.
Jose Guadalupe Hernandez was the driver of the vehicle, while Gama was a passenger, authorities added. According to WTVT-TV and the sheriff’s office, Gama’s 22-year-old girlfriend, Aniella Hernandez, her parents, Jose and Enedelia, and her two siblings, Alyssa, 17, and Julian, 9, were in the back of the SUV with a friend , Jakub Lopez.
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“For unknown and undetermined reasons, the driver slowly crossed the tracks directly into the path of the train,” the sheriff’s office said. “Five rear-seat passengers were ejected from the Escalade as it spun and rolled to its final rest.”
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Along with the five latest victims, Jose died of his injuries at the hospital, authorities added.
The group was headed to a Quinceañera birthday party when the tragic accident occurred, WTVT-TV, WFLA-TV and Tampa Bay Times reported.
Gama texted Cantu just before the crash, hoping to save the tables before the group arrived, and the 23-year-old reminded her that everyone should be looking forward to celebrating.
Crash site in Plant City, Florida.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Facebook
“We are more than ready and have two tables for everyone,” Cantu replied, according to times. “Don’t worry and don’t last long.”
But when Cantu and his girlfriend didn’t show up, the aunt became worried, according to the newspaper. Then anxiety grew as word spread of a nearby accident. The party music was turned off and eventually reality set in.
“We planned to have a great night,” Cantu said. “Now this all seems like a nightmare.”
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In a GoFundMe campaign Cantu started to raise money for Gama’s medical expenses, she called the event “one of the most tragic episodes in our lives,” noting that her nephew had a “passion for life and family.”
Cantu said the family gathered at the hospital “to pray for him and support each other.” As of Tuesday morning, more than $15,000 had been raised.
A separate GoFundMe has also been created to help the Hernandez family.
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