Help Aversa Rice Rebuild Her Life After a Tragic Hit-and-Run

On July 10, 2026, our family’s lives changed forever.

Our beloved Aversa Rice was critically injured in a horrific hit-and-run crash on Hunt Highway in San Tan Valley, Arizona. She and her friend, Kyrsten Sovereign, were on their way to a barrel racing competition—a place they had looked forward to spending together doing what they loved most.

Tragically, Kyrsten lost her life at the scene. Our hearts are broken as we mourn her unimaginable loss while standing beside Aversa during the fight of her life.

According to investigators, the crash was caused by a driver who was recklessly attempting to pass traffic on a two-lane highway. Witnesses reported the driver was driving erratically before forcing Aversa’s vehicle into oncoming traffic, where it was struck by a Chevrolet Tahoe. The husband and wife in the Tahoe also sustained critical injury. The driver fled the scene, leaving behind unimaginable devastation. He was located approximately 24 hours later and has since been taken into police custody, where he now faces multiple felony charges.

Aversa was airlifted by helicopter to the hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in critical condition.

She suffered an injured shoulder, a broken orbital bone around her eye, fractured ribs, and a fractured sacrum in her pelvis that required surgery. While we are incredibly thankful that she survived, her recovery is only beginning. Doctors expect she will need six months to a year of intensive physical therapy and rehabilitation before she can regain her strength and independence.

But those who know Aversa know that her story is about so much more than this accident.

Aversa is a bright light in the lives of her family, friends, coworkers, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. She has a heart that naturally puts others first, always offering kindness, encouragement, and a helping hand to those around her. Her infectious smile, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor have a way of making even the hardest days feel a little brighter. She has the rare ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and loved from the moment they meet her.

Her love for horses has never simply been a hobby—it is the foundation of the life she has worked so hard to build. Through years of dedication, countless early mornings, and endless hours in the saddle, Aversa has pursued her passion with determination and humility. Nearly every weekend she could be found training, competing, and chasing her dream of one day becoming a professional barrel racer and competing at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR).

That passion also became her career.

At Tucson Mountain Stables, and previously at White Stallion Ranch, Aversa has shared the beauty of Arizona’s desert with visitors from all over the world, leading horseback rides through the breathtaking Tucson Mountains. Whether she was guiding someone on their very first horseback ride or leading experienced riders through the desert trails, she did so with patience, confidence, and genuine enthusiasm. She didn’t just guide trail rides—she created unforgettable memories. Her warmth, kindness, and passion for horses touched the lives of countless guests, many of whom left not only with beautiful photos but with lasting memories because of the incredible person who led their adventure.

To know Aversa is to know someone who works tirelessly for everything she has. She has never been afraid of hard work, long days, or pursuing ambitious dreams. Alongside her aspirations in the horse world, she has also been working toward another lifelong goal of serving our country by joining the United States Air Force. She also had a dream to open her own ranch offering horse therapy to all who need it.

In a single moment, those dreams were put on hold.

Instead of preparing for her next barrel race, leading horseback tours, and pursuing the future she has worked so hard for, Aversa now faces months of healing, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. She will have to relearn strength, rebuild her confidence, and overcome physical and emotional challenges that no one should ever have to face.

As our family grieves the heartbreaking loss of Kyrsten while helping Aversa recover from her devastating injuries, we are asking for your support to help ease the financial burden this tragedy has created.

Your donations will help cover:

* Medical bills and hospital expenses

* Surgery and follow-up medical care

* Physical therapy and rehabilitation

* Recovery-related expenses during the months she is unable to return to work

* Any additional medical needs that arise throughout her recovery

No amount is too small, and every donation brings Aversa one step closer to healing. If you are unable to contribute financially, we completely understand. We simply ask that you share Aversa’s story and keep Aversa, Kyrsten’s family, and everyone affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.

Although the road ahead will be long, we know Aversa’s strength, determination, and resilient spirit will carry her through. We cannot wait for the day she is back in the saddle, doing what she loves most.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, prayers, and support during the most difficult time our family has ever faced.