An 11-year-old boy from Roy is currently in a medically induced coma after a vehicular accident that occurred Tuesday afternoon while he was on his scooter. Identified as Jayson Strong by his family, he sustained severe head trauma when a car hit him in a crosswalk. According to KUTV, Jayson was life-flighted to Primary Children's Hospital and is in critical condition. He has undergone two surgeries to relieve pressure caused by brain swelling.
Even though the accident is still under investigation, Roy Police have stated that Jayson was using the marked crosswalk appropriately and had the right of way at the time of the incident. The driver, a 38-year-old man, is reportedly cooperating with authorities, and charges are pending. The family has been constantly by Jayson's side during this challenging period, with doctors advising that his condition needs to be taken "hour by hour," as noted by KSLTV. The next 72 hours are critical for his recovery. Riley Camomile, Jayson's cousin, expressed her disbelief at the situation, saying, "I was just kind of thinking, like, how does that happen? How do you hit a child in the crosswalk," she said, per KSLTV.
Further detailing the extent of Jayson's injuries, Camomile shared with FOX 13 that his blood work and vital signs are stable, but the brain lesions and subsequent surgeries signify a lengthy and uncertain recovery ahead. Doctors hope that Jayson will recover and anticipate that he may have to relearn fundamental skills like talking and walking.
In the wake of this tragedy, the family has started a GoFundMe to help alleviate financial stress during Jayson's recovery. Camomile emphasized the need for vigilance and awareness for pedestrians and drivers, urging the community to pay attention, put their phones down, and not run red lights. Such precautionary words were profoundly echoed after Jayson was tragically struck while heading to meet a friend, a journey that trauma has now interrupted. Friends and family members remember Jayson as a sweet and sociable boy, and they continue to hope for his improvement as Jayson remains hospitalized.
