CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — A former Capital High School baseball player is hospitalized following a head-on collision on Rutledge Road in Kanawha County on Thursday.
Dean Kelly, 19, was seriously injured when 23-year-old Maliah Dawn Bishop allegedly crossed into oncoming traffic and struck his vehicle. Bishop was arrested and charged with DUI causing serious bodily injury.
Emergency responders took approximately 45 minutes to extricate Kelly from his truck, where he was trapped. According to his mother, Kitty Blackhurst, she became concerned when his location had not changed for over 15 minutes. Kelly managed to call for help while trapped.
Witnesses reported that the dashboard had collapsed onto Kelly's legs, complicating the rescue efforts. He sustained a dislocated leg and deep lacerations, requiring a six-hour surgery to place metal plates and screws.
Kelly is expected to face significant challenges during his recovery, with doctors indicating he may not be able to stand for at least three months. He has expressed concern about the long-term implications of his injuries.
Kelly highlighted the severity of his pain during the rescue, stressing, “I just didn't want to die.” He hopes sharing his experience will raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash.