Nathaniel Smith left Saturday with two friends for a road trip to Florida for a vacation.
In North Carolina, their car went off the road and crashed into a tree around 6 a.m. Sunday, said Grace Glennon, Smith’s aunt. The car was split in half.
Smith, 20, was ejected from the backseat, she said.
He’s been at the ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina, since the crash.
Smith, who graduated from Liverpool High School in 2021, has been put on a ventilator, Glennon said. He has a broken ankle, lacerations to his spleen, bruising to his lungs, a fractured skull and swelling around his brain, she said.
His condition seems to fluctuate each day, Glennon said. On Thursday, he underwent surgery to repair his ankle and while his breathing has improved, he is still on a ventilator, she said.
Smith’s parents drove down to North Carolina to be with their son, Glennon said. They’re staying at a nearby hotel, taking turns looking over him.
Both of Smith’s friends who were in the car have been released from the hospital, Glennon said.
Glennon said her nephew is down-to-earth, caring and a protective older brother. He currently works at an Olive Garden in Clay as a server, she said.
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GoFundMe for Smith’s medical expenses
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Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him: Email | Twitter or at 315-690-6950.
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