Friends Of Teens Injured In Logan Canyon Crash Gather To Show Support
Aug 1, 2020, 5:00 PM | Updated: Jul 13, 2023, 9:53 am
KAYSVILLE, Utah — At a time when things seem to be so divided, more than a hundred teenagers came together at a Kaysville park to show how united they are.
They gathered together Saturday morning to make signs and posters for their friend, 17-year old Sarah Frei.
“For all these people to be here, I think it’s really good for her,” said McKenna Arciaga, who is one of Frei’s good friends.
Arciaga is also on the same Clearfield High School cheerleading team as Frei, and was almost in tears talking about her.
“Sarah is a very fun, outgoing girl,” said Arciaga. “I can tell that a lot of people do love her.”
Frei could use a lot of love right now. She remains in a hospital, paralyzed from her waist down, all because of a crash in Logan Canyon that happened Thursday evening.
After a crash this past Thursday, where @UTHighwayPatrol says a drunk driver hit a car with four teenagers in Logan Canyon, 17-year old Sarah Frei was left paralyzed from her waist down. Today, more than a hundred of her friends came together to show her their support. pic.twitter.com/aUojt3b7gL
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) August 1, 2020
“A truck just comes drifting around the corner and just hits us head on,” said Josh Harrison.
Harrison was in that car with Sarah and two other friends as they were coming back from a trip to Bear Lake.
The Utah Highway Patrol said the driver of the truck that hit them was drunk and blew a 0.23 during a breathalyzer test.
45-year old Dustin Andersen was arrested and taken into Cache County Jail.
Investigators also said he was speeding.
All four teenagers were taken to local hospitals.
Harrison was at the Kaysville park Saturday morning, talking to friends.
Sarah Frei has a long recovery ahead of her. She is paralyzed from her waist down and had both legs amputated after UHP says a drunk driver hit the car she was in. However, Sarah’s friends aren’t letting her go through this alone. We’ll have this story in 20 minutes on @KSL5TV. pic.twitter.com/fvb0gtHGYm
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) August 1, 2020
He said he will recover, as well as his other two friends who were in the car. However, Frei’s injuries are more severe.
Her legs had to be amputated from her knees down.
“It’s a really tough time for her and her family,” said Harrison.
That’s why he said it was great to see so many of her friends at Barnes Park.
They were making signs and posters of encouragement for Frei, as well as a long scroll of paper with their handprints on it with words letting her know she is loved.
“It’s insane,” said Harrison. “I didn’t really think this could be possible, but it’s great just to see all these people out here supporting Sarah because that’s what’s going to help her get through this.”
Even Frei’s family is touched by how many people care about her.
Her older brother and sister were also at the park to say hello to her friends and to thank them for all the support they have been giving her.
“This has been amazing, and it feels so natural and it feels so easy because Sarah — she just radiates light and she just gives and gives,” said Jessica Hogg, who is Frei’s sister. “She’s loved because she loves.”
Though it would be easy to be angry, the Frei family said their faith helps to stay positive.
“This is God’s plan and that everything will be okay,” said Mitch Frei, who is Sarah’s older brother. “Life is going to be a lot different for her and our family, but we’re going to move forward.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with Frei’s medical bills. An account has also been set up any America First Credit Union.
Most of all, Frei’s family said they appreciate all the love and support people have been giving to Sarah and to their family.
“I just know how much that support means to my sister, and how much she loves her friends and that love and support,” said Mitch Frei. “She’s going to love all the videos and all the posters and everything that’s being made, and it’s going to help her recovery.”
