Student Suffers ‘Catastrophic’ Burns After Hit by Alleged Drunk Driver En Route to Campus

A college student’s life has been dramatically altered due to “severe and life-changing burns” he suffered after being hit by an alleged drunk driver en route to campus.

Aidan Poole, 19, was driving on I-27 in Hale County toward the Texas Tech campus on Sunday, Sept. 7, when the incident occurred, News 13, ABC 7 and KCBD 11 reported.

The driver, Thomas Rich, has since been arrested by the Hale County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and charged with intoxication assault, the outlets said.

PEOPLE reached out to the HCSO for comment on Saturday, Sept. 27, but did not receive an immediate response.

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Aidan’s girlfriend, Jadzia, described what it was like getting the call that her boyfriend had been in the accident while speaking to ABC 7.

“When I answered the phone, I could just hear everything in the back. I could hear sirens. I could hear Aidan in the back crying and freaking out. I could hear the wind and all the commotion. And I literally […] just went into complete shock,” she said.

Aidan’s mother, Kristi Poole, said that seeing her son in the hospital following the incident is something that no parent should ever have to go through.

“You don’t ever want to hear your child cry and scream, and just seeing all of his burns is something you never want to see,” she told ABC 7.

Kristi recalled that her son was conscious during the tragedy. “He struggled trying to get the door unlocked,” she said while speaking to News 13, adding, “He knew how to keep his eyes closed because there was so much fire.”

She said that she and her husband, James Poole, now spend as much time with their son in the hospital as possible. 

“We get up to the hospital about 6 in the morning and just visit him for a little while. Then, we head to work, then we come back here after work […] stay for the evening, have dinner with him. We don’t leave his room. Then we go back to the Airbnb then start it all over again,” she told News 13.

A GoFundMe established on behalf of the Poole family states that the driver of the other vehicle “slammed into” Aidan’s car from behind.

“The impact sent his vehicle airborne, and the gas tank exploded upon landing,” the fundraising page organizers said.

They went on to describe Aidan’s injuries as “catastrophic.”

“Aidan is now in the burn unit in Lubbock with severe and life-changing burns and is facing multiple surgeries. Aidan is also experiencing significant trauma and PTSD from the crash,” those who crafted the GoFundMe stated.

They also described the teen — who they said is a Texas Tech honors student — as “selfless, tender-hearted, intelligent, and kind, with a witty sense of humor that draws people in.” 

Added the loved ones, “Aidan’s family lives outside of Lubbock and is staying near the hospital to be with him. They face significant expenses for lodging, food, travel, legal fees, medical bills.”