LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Friends and family gathered Saturday evening to host a car wash to help with medical expenses for a 14-year-old Valley High School freshman who almost lost her life last month after being hit by a pickup truck.
From homemade food to music, to car wash signs in tow, there was an abundance of people and cars that made their way through the parking lot right across from Valley High School in honor of Chelsea Madrigal.
“As soon as I found out, I started thinking what can I do to help? What can I do to be there for Chelsea,” friend, Nicole Cruz-Rivera shared with 8 News Now.
Madrigal was at Saturday’s car wash and thankful to be alive.
“The doctor said it’s a miracle I’m still here,” Madrigal said. “I’m not someone that gets down so I just want to thank my friends and family for doing all of this for me. It means a lot.”
Madrigal initially broke her arm, neck, and jaw and injured her head, but is said to be recovering extremely well.
As for the driver who ran her over, the man stopped at the scene after hitting her and was cooperative with police. He was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian, records showed.
According to police, impairment was not a factor in the crash.
“I saw the truck run her over and it was horrific,” said April Sago who witnessed the crash and came to Chelsea’s rescue. Once a stranger, through tragedy, she said she is now a part of the Madrigal family.
“I just held her until the ambulance came,” Sago told 8 News Now. “The family has invited me over and I’ve stayed with Chelsea at the hospital a bunch of times. We’ve gotten really close, and they are a very grateful family.”
