A devastating car accident in Eugene, Oregon on December 7, 2024 has left several teenagers with severe injuries and a community united in their recovery. The crash, which occurred at the intersection of River Road and Beacon Drive, tragically claimed the life of 13-year-old Easton Bounds and left others fighting to heal from both physical and emotional wounds.

Among those injured is 16-year-old Ryan Thomas, a standout athlete and student at Pleasant Hill High School. Known for her remarkable achievements on the track, including winning the 3A state championship in the 100-meter dash earlier this year, Thomas now faces a much different challenge: a long road to recovery after suffering extensive injuries.

A Life-Altering Event

The crash, involving five teens in a Toyota Corolla struck by a Chevy Suburban, left Thomas with significant upper-body injuries. Her list of fractures includes her pelvis, ribs, clavicle, and hand. She also sustained torn neck ligaments, a cervical spine fracture, and lung damage. After undergoing two surgeries, Thomas remains in a neck halo and is beginning the early stages of physical therapy. Additional procedures are expected as her recovery continues.

Family members say the physical toll has been immense, but Thomas has shown incredible determination. While her injuries cast uncertainty over her future in athletics, Thomas has expressed a strong desire to run again, holding onto her dream of competing in track at the collegiate level.

A Community’s Support

This tragedy has brought an outpouring of love and assistance from the community. A fundraiser organized by Thomas' family to cover medical expenses has surpassed its original $15,000 goal, with over $36,000 raised from more than 400 donations. Her loved ones say the community’s generosity and prayers have provided solace and strength during this incredibly difficult time.

Her sister shared that even in the ICU, Thomas found comfort knowing she was being uplifted by so many. This support has inspired hope not only for her physical recovery but also for the emotional healing of everyone involved.

A Glimmer Of Hope Amid Tragedy

In a touching moment, Thomas’ boyfriend, who was also injured in the crash, was able to visit her hospital room. Though his injuries are also severe, his stable condition allowed for a reunion that gave the families a much-needed boost of hope.

As Thomas works through her physical therapy sessions and prepares for future surgeries, her loved ones remain focused on the challenges ahead. They have expressed deep gratitude for the kindness of the community and have asked for continued prayers—not only for Thomas but also for the Bounds family as they navigate the unimaginable loss of Easton.

This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change. While the road ahead is daunting, Ryan Thomas’ story is also one of resilience, hope, and the power of a supportive community. As her family and friends rally around her, they ask for prayers, donations, and shared hope for brighter days ahead.

For those who wish to contribute, the GoFundMe page remains active and is a testament to how collective compassion can provide hope and healing during the most difficult times.