LOGAN — Family members have publicly identified the 14-year-old Smithfield boy who was critically injured in a vehicle crash Tuesday night. Evan Chacon remains in Primary Children’s Hospital, as friends of the family are setting up donation accounts to help with his medical bills.
Evan was the passenger in a Honda Civic that was traveling southbound along US-91, between Smithfield and Richmond, on the evening of Nov. 12. Near 8600 North, the vehicle drifted off the road and then over-corrected, spinning 180 degrees into the oncoming lane, where it was rear-ended by a northbound Toyota SUV.
Utah Highway Patrol troopers report the impact of the crash pushed the rear tire of the car forward, into where Evan was sitting. Paramedics and firefighters had to cut through the smashed metal and extricate him from the vehicle.
UHP Sgt. Jason Kendrick said it was amazing Evan survived the crash, considering the damage the car sustained.
Paramedics rushed Evan to a nearby hospital, where it was determined he had critical injuries. He was later flown to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake.
Evan’s father, Clipton Chacon said his son has a severe traumatic brain injury, a skull fracture, damage to the bones in his right ear, 4 broken ribs, a punctured lung, a shattered pelvis, lacerations to his liver and spleen, along with internal bleeding. Doctors are hoping to be able to operate and begin repairing the damage, after the swelling in Evan’s brain begins to decrease.
Clipton said the fact that his son is still alive is a miracle and a testament of a Heavenly Father. He explained how the family feels numb after everything that has happened, and they are realizing how much help they are going to need.
Several friends of the family have organized Gofundme accounts to assist the Chacon family with the overwhelming medical expenses, travel costs, and help while Evan begins what is expected to be a long and uncertain recovery journey. The verified accounts are listed below:
Evan’s mother, Gloria Chacon said she is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support they’ve received. She asked for everyone to continue to keep her son in their prayers; which mean the world to them.