Gilroy
– A 15-year-old former Gilroy resident, student and athlete was
seriously injured after a car accident two weeks ago, and his
parents are asking for help.
Gilroy – A 15-year-old former Gilroy resident, student and athlete was seriously injured after a car accident two weeks ago, and his parents are asking for help.
Gabriel Camacho, a sophomore at Folsom High School, suffered two broken collar bones, internal bleeding and a fractured neck after a multi-vehicle, chain-reaction pile up occurred late Oct. 24 in Sacramento.
Camacho is in the intensive care unit at Kaiser Hospital in Sacramento. He was transferred there Monday from the University of California-Davis Medical Center where he was initially admitted.
His parents, Aida and Raul Camacho, have established a trust fund in their son’s name to help cover costs of care and recovery.
Gabriel, or Gabe, attended Rucker Elementary and Brownell Middle School from 1994 through 2000. During those years he also played for the Gilroy Browns as well as in Gilroy Little League. The family lived on Foothill Avenue for several years before moving to Sacramento 4 1/2 years ago.
Raul Camacho, Gabe’s father, said the 15-year-old’s right lung collapsed and he is fighting off pneumonia. He might be taken off a ventilator today, doctors told the Camachos Friday.
Raul Camacho said his son’s internal bleeding is slowly getting better, but he still is in spinal shock and has very limited movement in his right arm only.
Doctors kept Gabe sedated for his first few days in the hospital, but he is “wide awake now and in good sprits,” Raul Camacho said.
The crash, which occurred on northbound Highway 99 at 12th Avenue, happened occurred after a vehicle stalled in the center of the highway. Gabe’s aunt was driving her Volkswagen Jetta when the car in front of them suddenly swerved to avoid hitting the several cars that had abruptly slowed to avoid the stalled vehicle.
The Jetta hit the car in front of it, causing only minor damage. But a Lincoln Town Car behind Gabe, his aunt and his uncle, all who were wearing seatbelts, smashed into the Jetta. The Jaws of Life were needed to free Gabe from the car.
Seven people were taken to area hospitals, and four were in critical condition Monday. Gabe’s aunt, whose airbag was activated, sustained minor cuts and bruises. Gabe’s uncle suffered broken bones and injuries to his hand, arm and shoulder. Camacho played corner and receiver for Folsom High’s Bulldogs junior varsity football team. He also enjoys riding his bike, playing video games and laughing, Raul Camacho said.
“We are hopeful he’ll walk again,” Gabe’s aunt said. “He will. With everyone’s support and prayers, he will.”
Donations can be sent to: Gabriel Camacho Trust Fund, Western Sierra National Bank, 2779 E. Bidwell St., Folsom, CA 95630 Acct. #15001241
