Bellingham native Austin Hartman was seriously injured in the high-speed train collision near Madrid, Spain on October 28, 2026.

Austin is a 2024 graduate of Bellingham High School and a Junior at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He is a business major, and was studying abroad in Spain. The collision happened while Austin and a fellow Cal Poly student were taking a day trip to explore Seville.

Austin went from enthusiastically and joyfully living a dream abroad to being confined to a hospital bed and facing an extensive recovery.

The crash left Austin with severe traumatic injuries, including multiple fractures to his pelvis, hip, femur, humerus, ribs, and lumbar vertebrae, along with other significant orthopedic injuries and extensive lacerations to his face and body. Due to serious complications affecting his circulation and respiratory function, he required mechanical ventilation during the first 24 hours following the crash. He is also dealing with the psychological trauma of this terrifying experience.

At this time, Austin is not expected to return to the United States for at least two months, as he still requires multiple surgeries. There are still many unknowns ahead in his recovery.

Donations will help cover:

Medical care and treatment not covered by insurance

Living expenses for Austin's family in Spain so they can remain near him during this critical time

Long-term rehabilitation and physical therapy as Austin works to regain strength, mobility, and independence

Mental health support

Austin's recovery will be a long journey, not something measured in days or weeks. Ongoing support, including recurring donations, can help his family manage the continuing medical, travel, living, rehabilitation, and mental health expenses in the months ahead. One-time donations are also deeply appreciated and will make an immediate difference. Please consider donating or sharing Austin's story to help ease the financial burden on his family so they can focus on his healing.