Plymouth Breeze rests against tree after two occupants are extricated. / Courtesy photo by Lewis County Fire District 1
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
A pair of 14-year-old boys who took a parents car joy riding yesterday were hospitalized with serious injuries after they slammed into a tree northeast of Onalaska.
Authorities said they were going so fast, the impact left the tree against the dashboard.
Deputies and members of three fire departments responded to the 4:25 p.m. call to the 200 block of Griel Road; the Jaws of Life were used because they were trapped.
“It took a long time to get the car opened up to get them out, especially the passenger,” Lewis County Fire District 1 Chief Mark Conner said.
The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office said a trooper estimated they were traveling at a very high rate, well above the posted 40 mph speed limit. The 1997 Plymouth Breeze left the roadway and traveled through a wooden bus shack before hitting the tree, Chief Civil Deputy Stacy Brown said.
Both were airlifted from the field at Onalaska High School, according to Conner.
The passenger suffered several broken bones in his lower extremities, Brown said. Conner said he was flown to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland, and also had cuts to his face.
The airbags deployed so they were fortunate with no obvious head injuries, Conner said, but both boys had suspected internal injuries.
The driver was delivered to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, the fire chief said. He got an update this morning that the driver has liver, kidney and lung lacerations.
Brown said the boys had been home alone so the parents were unaware they took the car out. She said a neighbor reported seeing them pass her home twice at an extremely high rate.
The teens are from Onalaska, and Brown reported they took their parents car, but said she didn’t know specifically if they are brothers or just friends.
The collision remains under investigation.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
May the Lord strengthen these families and give a quick recovery to the boys’. We will be praying and checking back for updates. God is faithful and hears the cry of our hearts.
Our family is praying for a quick recovery. May the Lord give the boys’ and their families His strength for each day. We will be checking back for updates. God is faithful!
When you feel it might encourage your boys, please let them know that Katie & her family are praying for a speedy recovery! The little school where our kids go is very much more than just a school. It’s more like an extended family. Today Katie asked me if we would take her to the hospital so she could visit her friends. We are looking forward to good news about their recovery 🙂 and please know that many prayers are being said for them!
Parents please do not blame yourself for actions taken by your teenagers. There is nothing you could have said or done to prevent this horrible accident from occurring. You are wonderful parents are now victims of a bad decision. We are so happy your prayers were answered and the boys are on there long journey to recovery.
This is the drivers mother. I thank each and every one who have sent prayers without judgement. Your prayers have not only supported the boys but us parents. In our case we are not near family and as the boys were fighting for their lives we were holding onto your prayers. They made a mistake that was nearly a tradgedy. These are beautiful boys with true friendship. Beyond the physical wounds, we as parents, are also witnessing the emotional struggle these two children are dealing with. It heartbreaking to witness the intensity of regret and fear they are trying to process at such a young age. Once again, my prayers are sent to those who judge now I must return my attention to those who have love to share..
Interesting that those that will leave negative comments are not willing to use their real names. It is not your place to judge others. Teenagers don’t always make the best choices but everyone makes mistakes including adults. Those same adults probably made some bad choices as teens. fact is it happened and the boys have learned a very tough lesson and what they’re going through is way worse than any punishment. The families need our love and support more than ever and talking crap is nasty, cruel and judgemental and you should be ashamed and should be willing to identify yourselves.
DPierce- Sorry to read this about your brother and his friend. They are young and will both take a life lesson from this. Unfortunately, an extreme one. Many positive thoughts from my family to yours as your brother recovers. You know how to reach me if I can help.
Blee Bloo, you’re dead right here. There are times to pray and times to get tough. If those boys’ families love them, toughness will prevail for quite a while. This was not a “mistake” but a crime, one that could easily have led to death for the boys and others and lawsuits and bankruptcy for their families. Also, I’m very offended anyone would ascribe their dumb luck to God. That’s very disrespectful of God and the last thing those boys need if they are to learn from this and begin to grow a conscience.
Blee bloo…it is what it is and yes that could have happened and didn.’.t. This is not the time or place. Yo brought up God and I think I said this before the bible says let those of you without sin cast the first stone. I seriously doubt you are without sin. Im sure your back is in the air cause so many have spoke out against you and it’s very hard to back down once that happens. I know you must hqve a heart somewhere so maybe you can just refrain from further hurting and upsetting the family.
Kids do dumb things. I hope they learn from their mistakes and make a full healthy recovery! Maybe they can take this experience and turn it into something good by becoming advocates and speakers to other kids about how the wrong decisions can ruin a bright future. They were lucky…alot of kids aren’t. Praise the Lord you guys will come out ok! My family is praying for you!
Jbizzle, really dont u have anything better to do then open your mouth before thinking!!!! This is my Nephew and his friend. the rumors are flying. in stead of talk s### these boy need prays not rumors.
This is the Aunt and of the passenger. We are very thankful that both boys are alive. and they both have a long road a head of them for recover.
I will not give people the time of day like this blee bloo. what if this was your child or brother sister. it could have happen to anyone. they are 14 teen they did a very stupid thing by driving a car.
blee bloo i guess u are so prefect that u haven’t done anything stupid in your life. well anyways I love my nephew and kyle they both need kind people and lots of prayer so they both can get on the road of recover. love ya all and thank for the kind words and don’t let people like Blee Bloo one day this person will have to face god we were taught not to judge people and to help each other. Also just again Thank u all for the prayer they both need them. thanks
WELL WHO EVER BLEE BLOO IS, YOU ARE VERY HEARTLESS WITH NO COMPASSION TOWARDS OTHERS.SO MAYBE YOU SHOULD KEEP YOUR OPINION TO YOUR SELF MY SON GOES TO SCHOOL WITH THOSE KIDS OR AT LEAST ONE OF THEM. AND I HAVE A RIGHT TO SAY WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO WHOM EVER ID LIKE SO AS FOR MY POST PLEASE KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS TO YOURSELF IF YOUR NOT MIKE OR HIS WIFE ITS NOT TO YOU. THANK YOU AND HAVE A GREAT DAY.
listen whoever blee bloo is.i think you are a very rude person thats kinda heartless. my son and i have a heart and if you are so perfect and never made a mistake or screwed off in your younger years then i guess you are a prude. so my advice is you should find some compassion for others in your heart. because NOONE
Prayers for what? Both of these young idiots will live. Pray for them to get some brains. You people should give thanks to God Almighty that they didn’t kill some innocent bystander.
nathen and i hope they make a fast recovery nd nathen hopes to see them back at school soon. our family prayers go out deeply to your family.stay strong mom and dad god is on your side.
Any update on the boys were still praying
Prayers out to both for a full recovery there young there brain is not fully mature until age 25
Prayers for a full recovery there to young to think there brain ain’t fully developed until 25
Before you pass judgment think if this was your child or loved one. These are two boys who are now fighting for their lives. have you never done anything and then thought afterwards “wow that was stupid” this will be one stupid mistake that they will live with for the rest of their lives. Please just keep these boys and their families in your thoughts and prayers tonight and feel blessed that you aren’t going through this.
My brother and his friend were idiots but its a good thing they’re lucky idiots. Someone was looking out for them yesterday. No head trauma or extreme internal damage. Thanks to all for your prayers in my families time of need.
I hope they learned their lesson, good thing they didn’t kill anyone.
this article is a little lacking in structure, but other than that…
Did these kids smoke a fatty then go for a joy ride? The timing kind of indicates…
In just looking at that car, I would not have expected anyone to had survived.
Sure hope they make a full recovery, and are just a little smarter for their experience.