Another hurdle to overcomeBrittany Jefferson in ICU after devastating auto crash By Philip M. Bowman (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tyrone Walker On May 5, Stratford High's Brittany Jefferson won her second consecutive Class 4A 100-meter hurdles title at the state track and field championships. 
PROVIDED Brittany Jefferson was driving this 1998 sedan when it was involved in a collision Sunday night that has left her in critical condition. To helpPeople with B-positive blood can donate in Brittany Jefferson's name. Blood donations can be made from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in Room 279 of the main building at MUSC. Brittany Jefferson was on top of the world. A senior at Stratford High School, she was looking forward to graduation in a few weeks. Twelve days ago she won her second consecutive state championship in track and field, and later that same day attended her school's prom. Her future included an athletic scholarship to Limehouse College. But everything changed in an instant Sunday night when the 18-year-old was severely injured in a car wreck. Jefferson was in critical condition Wednesday at Medical University Hospital. Her spleen was removed Sunday night. She also suffered a collapsed lung, a fractured pelvis and other injuries. She was scheduled to undergo more surgery today. Jefferson's mother, Melanie, said doctors already have used 40 units of blood to treat her daughter. "You should see the car," said Melanie Jefferson, who has spent most of her time this week at the hospital where her daughter is in the intensive care unit. "It's unbelievable she's still here." Brittany Jefferson was driving home from a friend's house in a 1998 Ford two-door sedan when the accident occurred at the intersection of U.S. Highway 17A and Myers Road near the Sangaree area. Jefferson was turning to go south on the highway but crossed the path of a 2001 GMC sport utility vehicle driven by Michael McGann, 29, of Goose Creek, according to Cpl. Paul Brouthers of the S.C. Highway Patrol. McGann was headed north on 17A and struck Jefferson's car on the driver's side. Jefferson is charged with failing to yield the right of way. Melanie Jefferson began to worry when Brittany didn't return home and couldn't be reached by phone. "Her curfew is 9:30, and Brittany is never more than 15 minutes late." Melanie Jefferson said. "I just kept waiting, calling her on her cell phone, and it would just go to her voice mail. "At 10 'til 11, I got on my knees to pray and, I kid you not, the phone rang. It was MUSC." Melanie Jefferson arrived at the emergency room unaware that her daughter had been airlifted to the hospital or that her injuries were life-threatening. "The glass from the (car) window had shattered and splintered in her face," she said. "It was devastating. The first time we went into the emergency room, I couldn't even look at her." Stratford track coach Shane Sutherland said Jefferson is polite, outgoing and has a lot of friends. "She's great for the team," Sutherland said. "She communicates with adults well and she stands out. She's a tough girl. "Our team is extremely giving," she said. "We have kids already planning to have blood drives at their churches. We've had someone from the team at the hospital every day after school. They ask me if she's going to make it, and I don't know. I wish I had the answer." Melanie Jefferson has faith that Brittany will recover, but the road to recovery will be long. "She's sedated, unconscious, but I talk to her. I tell her she is going to be fine and everyone is praying for her. She will have a wonderful testimony and will run faster and better than ever." Noah Haglund contributed to this report. Reach Philip M. Bowman at pbowman@postandcourier.com or at 937-5592. |
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Comments
This article has 22 comment(s)
Posted by moonpie on May 22, 2008 at 6:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Need a red light there badly. At certain times you can't get across without pulling out in traffic. Someone was almost killed SCDOT I know that's usually what it takes to get something done up there. While your at it put one in front of Cane Bay High at the entrance of the neighborhood before student drivers arrive! Beautiful school but didn't anyone think we needed a light there?
Posted by prosperous_hb on May 22, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good luck Brittany! Hope you pull through.
Posted by Early on May 22, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Speedy recovery Brittany, we need more young people like you in our state. Prayers be with you!
Posted by ColdBeer on May 22, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Luck Brittany.
That intersection is very dangerous. A red light is needed, but I doubt one will be put in as it's so close to the College Park Rd. red light. Something needs to be done.
Posted by jerseygirl on May 22, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For the family involed, my thoughts and prayers go out to you. My family had a similiar experience. It was hard to go through, but through prayer and support from everyone you will get through this. Hang in there and know that you have people praying for you!!!!!
Posted by Tammie on May 22, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Brittany, I hope you have a speedy recovery. Mom, don't lose hope!
Posted by proudmomma on May 22, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My prayers are with you and your family, Brittany.
I agree that the intersection needs something changed.
Posted by cgh68 on May 22, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I will keep the Jefferson family in my prayers and thoughts.
Posted by bcuzicare on May 22, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I totally agree something needs to be done about that intersection. It is very hard to get out of there at times. My prayers are with you and your family. I know what you are going through.
Posted by eyfigueroa on May 22, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Stay strong Jefferson family. As a fellow Stratford parent, just let us know what you need and the Knights will be there for you.
I hate that turn. I use it at least twice a week and it's a terror during rush hour traffic. Coldbeer you're right, it's so close to College Park that I doubt a light would be put there. It's just one of those areas that you know you may have to wait awhile to get through. Unfortunately this young lady failed to yield and an accident occurred. Mistakes happens everyday by the best of drivers.
All we can do now is hope for a speedy and complete recovery for this wonderful young lady.
Posted by Girleygirl on May 22, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is sad. I hope you pull through Brittany
Posted by Charles_Town on May 22, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Prayers to Brittany and her family.
Posted by Yankee_Don on May 22, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good luck - Get well soon, our thoughts are with you and your family!
Posted by jca on May 23, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
wow kinda shocked they charges her before they knew if she would live to make it to court.
my prayers are with the family for a speedy recovery.
its not safe anywhere on the road ways
and i know that intersection as well and it could use a light.
late or not it was no excuse to not pay attention to the roads or other cars. while she waited she could have called and told her mom where she was instead of trying to beat a car going 45 miles an hour. i think thats the speed.
my heart goes out to brittany and her family. let this be a lesson to all of us to slow down and pay attention. we could be next and for me thats scary.
have a great weekend all
Posted by lbleach on May 24, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My thoughts and prayers are with the Jefferson Family. God will work it out! She will be better than ever. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, with all your mind and with all your soul.
Posted by smcdt on May 25, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Melanie and family, my heart and prayers are with you and Brittany. Only God holds her fate in his hands but continue to pray and believe. My church family NorthBay Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa,Florida is holding her in our hearts, minds and prayers. Remember that I love you and I am here for you. Sylvia Turner-McDuffie
Posted by suzetteasberry on May 25, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Melaine, I will continue to pray for Brittany and the family. I know she will get better, just keep looking up for your help. Suzette Asberry
Posted by lelebabyyy on May 25, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
awwww.
i just realized todayy who they were talking about at school.
brittany had my lunch and i always talked to her on my way to lunch and back from lunch.
she's such a upbeat girl, and awesome at track and field.
i hope she gets better real soon! cux we all miss her at stratford.
Posted by chelle on May 26, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am so sorry this happen to you
I didn't know who you were until this happen
I will pray to god that nothing else happens
We miss you girl,and we hope that you fight through this.
Posted by funkymonkey4850 on May 27, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Brittany, I know you personally and I was so upset when I heard that this happened to you. I know that you can pull through this. I pray for you and your family. To Melanie Jefferson, have hope and do not give up on anything. God will make the decision. Whatever happens will be for the best. But, we can only hope that she pulls through and reaches to become the wonderful, shining young woman that she always has been. ♥
-Sydney Preston
Posted by rosawilkes57 on May 28, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
May God strengthen you each day as you go through this difficult time. Put your trust in God and he will see you through. Somethings happen and we never know why, but we must continue to pray and be strong.
Rosa Wilkes
&
Shakita Davis (3A 100-Meter Hurdles State Champ)
Posted by smcdt on June 8, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Brittany congrats on your graduation.I am very proud of you and will continue to send prayers your way! Despite the accident and whats going on with it you will overcome this and you will continue to be the strong and determine young lady that you are....You have all of our support!!!