- Hello, I am best friend's with Shyla's mother, Katie. Shyla along her friend, Teagan, were victims of a terrible car accident this last Saturday, November 15. It's the phone call that no parent ever wants to receive. Shyla was driving her 2014 Ford Focus when she had come to a complete stop with her left turn signal on to turn into Teagan's driveway. It was a beautiful fall Saturday. Shyla was just dropping Teagan off then going back to her house less than 10 miles away to help her mom with some yard work while the weather was nice. Instead, as Shyla waited for an oncoming vehicle to pass, she noticed in her rear view mirror that the vehicle approaching from behind her was not slowing down. Shyla then did everything she could to get their attention. She tapped on her brakes several times along with laying on her horn with no success. The full size Dodge pick up rear ended her Ford Focus driving 60+ mph launching her vehicle 40 yards from the point of impact off a 20 foot embankment into a creek. Not only has there been video footage of the accident released but a bystander also caught the recovery on video. It's gut wrenching. These girls are lucky to be alive! Katie believes that Shyla would not have survived if she wasn't wearing her seatbelt! Both teen girls were transported by ambulance to Riverbend Hospital. Teagan is still fighting for her life and by a miracle, Shyla was released Saturday evening with only a concussion, whiplash, bumps, and bruises. However, despite the minimal physical damage that Shyla has endured, we can not forget about the emotional damage this has done and will continue to have on her for the rest of her life as well as her family. This has not been easy for any of them.
Katie is taking as much time off from work that she needs to be there for Shyla during her recovery. She is currently in the process of applying for Paid Leave Oregon to cover any lost wages if approved. As we all know, times are tough for everyone right now and I'm just trying to help her family get some extra support to help relieve some stress. Shyla had just bought her car and still owes $1500 on it as well as her needing a new car when she's ready to start driving again.
Any help is very much appreciated even if it's just sharing her story... seatbelts save lives as well paying attention to what is in front of you! These families lives have forever been changed!
Organizer and beneficiary
Katie Loya
Beneficiary