Support Elijah Mayes After Car Accident

Help Me Recover from a Car Accident

Hi, my name is Elijah Mayes, and I’m a senior college student currently facing a tough situation. I’m reaching out to ask for your help in raising money to cover the unexpected costs of a car accident that has created significant financial and emotional challenges for me and my family.

I am an Honors student at Central Michigan University, maintaining a 3.5 GPA while working as an Inclusion Assistant for Residence Life. For those unfamiliar, this role involves supporting students in campus housing by fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment, particularly for minority and LGBTQ+ residents. My responsibilities include addressing residents’ concerns, building community, and ensuring everyone feels valued and supported.

On December 14, 2024, I stayed late on campus because of my duties as an Inclusion Assistant. As part of my job, I must remain on campus until all my residents leave for break. I’ve shared concerns in the past about leaving so late because my drive home to Crete, Illinois, is four hours. By the time I left at 5:40 PM, it was completely dark, and the weather conditions made driving even more dangerous.

Around 7:15 PM, while driving on a two-lane highway near Fennville, Michigan, I encountered a dead deer in the road. The highway was pitch black, and I didn’t see the deer until the last moment. Swerving would have caused my car to flip, so I had no choice but to drive over it. Unfortunately, the collision caused my car’s engine to overheat, and I had to pull over at a gas station.

I was stranded two hours from home, with no family in Michigan to turn to for help. I waited at the gas station for hours until a friend, who drove three hours, arrived to pick me up. The next morning, my mother drove four hours to meet me, and together we returned to the gas station to tow my car back to Illinois.

The damage to my car was severe. After speaking with our mechanic and insurance appraiser, I was informed that the car is totaled. The remaining balance on the car loan is $10,454.97. While we’re hoping insurance will cover some of it, it’s unlikely to cover the full amount. On top of this, I now need to find a replacement car before the spring semester starts.

This experience has been overwhelming for me and my family. Being stranded on a dark highway was terrifying, and the financial strain of towing, insurance claims, and replacing my car has been exhausting for all of us. Having reliable transportation is vital for me as a student. I have no family in Michigan, so my car is my only way to get to school, work, and other responsibilities.

I’m asking for your support to help me navigate this difficult time. Your donation will go toward covering the remaining car loan balance, towing fees, and finding a reliable replacement car. Any amount you can contribute will make a huge difference and is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this campaign to help spread the word.

Sincerely,

Elijah Mayes