A Farmington community is rallying to support a high school track star who underwent emergency brain surgery after falling more than 30 feet from a tree. The injury, which included multiple brain bleeds and a large hematoma, has halted the senior athlete's college recruiting process and left her facing a lengthy rehabilitation period.
Emergency Surgery and Medical Status
According to a GoFundMe campaign organized by Michael McCarty, the accident occurred approximately one week prior to July 11, 2026. The athlete was life-flighted to Primary Children’s Hospital after being transported by ambulance following the fall.
Medical staff initially attempted several measures to stabilize swelling in her brain without success. This led to an emergency surgery early on a Monday morning, during which surgeons removed a large piece of her skull to alleviate intracranial pressure. While the surgery was deemed a success, medical providers recently discovered a neck injury below the skull via MRI, meaning she will require a neck brace during her recovery.
Fundraising Efforts for Recovery
The athlete's medical team has utilized sedation to prevent brain agitation, a measure that was recently increased after a trial period of reduced sedation caused her brain pressure to fluctuate. While she showed signs of progress by moving her arms and legs during the trial, doctors determined the increased sedation was necessary for her stability.
As of July 2026, the fundraiser has raised $26,697 toward a $50,000 goal, with contributions from nearly 400 donors. The funds are intended to assist her widowed mother with the significant medical and rehabilitation expenses resulting from the trauma.
A Record-Breaking Career Interrupted
The injury has significantly impacted the future of a student-athlete who was being scouted by various colleges due to her running prowess. She holds several Farmington High School records, including the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m distances.
Athletic records for Farmington High School confirm these achievements, noting Ethan Peterson as the longtime record holder for the 800m with a time of 1:53.27 set in 2022, the 1600m with 4:08.45 in 2022, and the 3200m with 8:57.06 in 2023.
A Long Road Ahead
The athlete's senior year of high school has been replaced by a long road of medical supervision and rehabilitation. Her family continues to monitor her condition as she remains under constant medical care.
