Heroic Teen Critically Hurt Rescuing Others: How To Help

DETROIT, MI — Sean English, the teen who was critically injured while helping six people trapped in a Jeep SUV after a rollover accident in Detroit Sunday, has a long climb ahead of him. The 16-year-old University of Detroit Jesuit High School junior’s foot was amputated, both of his legs were broken and his pelvis was crushed.

Also critically injured while helping the six teenagers trapped in the Jeep was Dr. Cynthia Ray, 47, a pulmonologist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. She is said to be fighting for her life after undergoing emergency neurosurgery Sunday. Both were hit by a driver who lost control of his vehicle while they were assisting the the teens in the Jeep on Interstate 696 Sunday morning.

A pair of online fundraisers have been established to assist the English family with medical bills and other costs associated with his recovery.

Kellie Murphy, who started a GoFundMe campaign that had raised nearly $37,000 by mid-day Tuesday, said English was “doing what he does best, helping others in need,” and is part of a family who “are always stepping up and helping others.”

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Five of English’s classmates and close friends — Aaron Poyer, Kevin Williams, Bishara Randolph, John Faulk and Connor Plagens — started a second GoFundMe campaign that had raised more than $9,300 by mid-day Tuesday. They want to help English’s family cover medical expenses, but also replace his varsity letter jacket, which was destroyed.

English runs track and field for Jesuit High School, and is the reigning Catholic League champion in the 1-mile run. He also is involved in a variety of other school activities, including Student Senate and the Black Awareness Society for Education.

“While Michigan’s no-fault laws cover many of the financial stresses that go along with a tragedy, Sean’s beloved varsity jacket was destroyed in the surgery process and his car broke down a day before the accident,” his friends wrote. “As his close friends, we want to raise money to help the family with whatever miscellaneous costs they may run into while going through this tragedy as well as replace his clothes. Any donation helps no matter how small. We thank you for your love and support during this time of need.”

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English was upbeat after he came out of surgery, Murphy wrote on her crowdfunding page. Though still breathing with the assistance of a ventilator, he worried about his homework before his surgeries on Monday.

“Please help give back in any way that you can,” Murphy wrote. “I would like to take as much stress away as possible. Help with medical bills, buy some meals, get something nice for Sean and his family, physical therapy in the future, etc.”

Photo via GoFundMe