Matthew Elliott, a high school senior and one of the top swimming recruits in the high school class of 2023, was in a car crash that left him hospitalized.
According to a GoFundMe page started by Jasmine Baker, who describes herself as a close family friend, Elliott was involved in a “horrific rollover car accident” on his way to swim practice. He was admitted to the ICU with several fractures, including to his face.
“Matthew has suffered tremendous trauma to his scull from the impact,” Baker said. “Several breaks surrounding his eye sockets, his nose, and jaw have occurred. He has undergone several hours of surgery…metal plates put in his face to hold it together, nose realignment, broken jaw wired shut, a tracheotomy to (breathe), numerous stitches, and incredible pain. Currently, his main form of communication is a short hand written note on a board while he is in ICU.”
Among the immediate needs are an electronic aid to communicate with doctors, specialists, and his family. The funds will also be used toward specialized care and sports therapy sessions.
An updated posted to the GoFundMe page on Wednesday said that Elliott’s parents were hopeful that he would return home to wait for a second surgery to remove the tracheotomy, jaw hardware, and adjust fractures. That follow-up surgery would be an outpatient treatment.
Elliott is a senior at Soquel High School. Earlier this year, he won a Sectionals title in the 50 free in Carlsbad. As a junior last season he placed 2nd in the 50 free and 3rd in the 100 free at the California High School State Championships. He also finished 5th at the Speedo Winter Junior Championships in December in the 50 free, swimming a best time of 19.89.
He trains with Quicksilver Swimming in San Jose, California.
Elliott is committed to swim at Cal beginning next season (fall 2023).
As of publishing, $16,722 have been raised toward a $20,000 goal thanks to 244 donors, including several recognizable names in the swimming community, other swim clubs, and families of fellow Cal commits.
Sending prayers for Matthew, his family and his doctors. 🙏🏼❤️
Dear Matthew, I’m so sorry your going though this, heal well!♥️🎈🙏
Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry this happened. I hope he heals quickly and completely.
Alexandria Shaughnessy-Ronzio, a former Team USA pairs figure skater, suffered very similar injuries in a 2016 on-ice crash. These are unusual injuries for high level athletes and I’m sure she and her parents would be happy to talk to Matthew’s family about what they learned and what helped her return to training and competition if his family is interested. It was a complicated journey with a lot of moving pieces, but she was able to return to international competition. Her name is unique so she’s easy to find on social media, or call the Skating Club of Boston where she coaches. I don’t know her mother (Ann Shaughnessy), but Ann was always a huge cheerleader for everyone from every team… Read more »
This is every swim parent’s nightmare. Hope he recovers quickly and completely.
This is every parent’s nightmare. Hope he recovers quickly and completely.
True. I just specified swim parents because he was on his way to practice.
Donated! Thanks for spreading the word about his Gofundme and I wish Matthew the fastest recovery!
“Horrific” seems an apt description of the accident. And while on the way to swim practice no less.
Here’s wishing him a fast and complete recovery.
Mathew is a great kid! I swim with the Quicksilver Masters in the mornings before the kids get in with Coach Lucas. He and I talk swimming when we can and I am looking forward to seeing him swim at Cal. He is so excited to be going there! Stopped by Natividad Hospital Friday evening for a quick visit. He took it really bad in the face but his body looked good. We are all pulling for you.