Local valedictorian faces long road to recovery after being struck by drunk driver
CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. — One family is asking for help after their son was in a tragic crash.
Just 16 days after graduation and hours away from leaving for a family vacation, investigators say Sawyer Sutton and his girlfriend were struck by a drunk driver.
His family is asking for support during this time to help with his medical expenses.
Kelly Sutton, Sawyer’s mother, shares that Sawyer and his girlfriend were just yards away from being in the driveway before being struck by a drunk driver at 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 31.
“They couldn’t do anything, they couldn’t move him until they got him cut out. It seemed like–I know they got it as fast as they could but–in a mother’s eyes, it seemed like it took an eternity when he’s in there screaming,” said Kelly. “When they flew him out that night in the chopper we thought it was just a broke femur, then we get here and ended up he had internal bleeding.”
According to investigators, Sutton and his girlfriend, Breanna O’Neal, were struck by driver Zachary Simpson on Terry Road.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Simpson was arrested for a DUI, vehicular assault, and violation of implied consent.
Kelly says Sawyer has internal injuries, broken and shattered bones and pneumonia.
“So, that’s something we’re trying to deal with right now. He is better than he was. The surgeries–two surgeries behind us, hopefully, praying to God there’s no more,” said Kelly.
Sawyer Sutton graduated as valedictorian of his class at West Carroll Junior/Senior High School.
After graduation he was going to begin his apprenticeship with Jones Electric. His mom shares that this was supposed to be the best summer of his life.
“I said I wasn’t going to tear up, but I mean he had his whole life–he still does don’t get me wrong. It should’ve been his best summer, you know? They told us we’ll be in here [for] weeks,” said Kelly.
Currently, Sutton is still in trauma ICU but alert and responsive. He and his family are grateful for the support of the community and those around them.
If you would like to help the Sutton family, there will be an account set up at Carroll Bank & Trust in McLemoresville for donations, but you can make a donation at any branch.
A prayer vigil has also been organized within the community. It will be held at the Trezevant Walking Track Amphitheater on June 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Lastly, there will be a bake sale benefit held on June 12-14. Organizers ask that if you aren’t able to donate directly, then baked good donations are also welcome. Click here for more information.
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