Girl Critically Injured In Farmingdale HS Bus Crash Walking On Her Own

NEW HYDE PARK, NY — Audrina Crocitto, 15, a survivor of the Farmingdale High School marching band bus crash, is walking on her own again after she was critically injured, Northwell Health announced in a news release.

Crocitto returned to Cohen Children's Medical Center on Wednesday to reunite with the surgeon and paramedics who saved her life, her family by her side.

The crash injured dozens of students and killed the school’s band director, Gina Pellettiere, 43, and retired teacher, Beatrice "Bea" Ferrari, 77. The school marching band was headed to Greeley, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 21 for its annual band camp when the bus crashed and tumbled down a 50-foot ravine.

Crocitto, who only remembers the initial impact of the bus careening off the road, was severely injured from the crash, according to Northwell Health.

"Audrina was airlifted to us almost immediately," said Shaun Rodgers, MD, the pediatric neurosurgeon who cared for Crocitto, in a news release. "X-rays and MRIs revealed the need for immediate L1 to L3 spinal fusion surgery; in simplest terms, titanium screws and rods were inserted to hold her spine together."

Crocitto underwent a three-hour surgery and remained in the hospital for just over a week. Rodgers believes she will completely recover and return to her passion: firefighting.

The teenager serves as a member of the Farmingdale Fire Department’s junior brigade. Rodgers said she will "certainly be able to continue" working toward her dream of becoming a full-time firefighter and EMT.

One highlight of the reunion was a surprise visit from flight paramedic Amen Alhadi and flight nurse Michael Bosi, the SkyHealth team who airlifted Crocitto to Cohen Children’s.

Crocitto exchanged comforting hugs with her recusuers.

"It’s not often to get to meet one of the patients we’ve brought to the hospital," Bosi said. "We’re so happy that you’re doing well and hopeful that you will continue with your dream of becoming an EMT."

Crocitto said she's come a long way, but she still has a "long way to go." She and her fellow bandmates continue to fight on in memory of their beloved teacher, who they knew as "Ms. P."

"We know Mrs. P. would want us to keep trying to get better," Crocitto said, often fighting back tears. "I’m here today because of my friends and my family. I will get through this. I’m strong now."

The Daler Marching Band took the field for the school's homecoming football game just two weeks after the fatal crash. The band then competed at the Newsday Marching Band Festival — a yearly tradition Pellettiere loved.

There was a sense among her students that playing the halftime shows is something Pellettiere would have wanted for them.

After Crocitto's mother handed green Daler high school T-shirts to the flight crew and Rodgers, Audrina said, "When you go through a trauma like this, your whole mindset changes. I realize now how many people love me. I’m so grateful to be here."

Related:

• Thank You, 'Ms. P': Honoring The Music Teacher And Her Impact On Us
• Gina Pellettiere's Rise To Farmingdale Band Director
• Remembering Gina Pellettiere: Farmingdale Band Students Share Memories
• Farmingdale HS Marching Band Performs 2 Weeks After Tragic Bus Crash
• 'Life Of The Party': Beloved Farmingdale Music Teacher Laid To Rest
• 'The Most Beautiful Soul': Farmingdale's Bea Ferrari Mourned
• Eat Pizza, Help Farmingdale Marching Band: 100 LI Pizzerias Join Cause
• McDonald's To Donate To Farmingdale HS Marching Band
• Nearly $3K More Raised For 'Ms. P's' Son At 2nd Farmingdale Fundraiser
• Fundraisers For 'Ms. P's' Son, Farmingdale Students Hurt In Bus Crash
• Adventureland To Host Farmingdale Marching Band At Park For Free
• Step By Step Dance Studio Of Farmingdale Raises $2,450 For 2 Causes
• LI Students Critically Injured In Bus Crash In 'Less Critical Care'