Darcy Metcalf unable to walk and speak after horror accident while on the way to footy in Perth
An Australian teenager was left unable to walk or talk after a horrific car crash while on his way to a football event.
Darcy Metcalf, 17, was on his way to a photo shoot with his Northern Knight Cats football team in Perth’s northern suburbs when the accident occurred in July 2023.
The crash happened just 200 meters from the football club and many of his teammates saw it happen.
The accident left Darcy with multiple broken bones and a catastrophic brain injury, which required four months of treatment in the intensive care unit at Royal Perth Hospital.
Initially, doctors feared for his survival, doubting whether he would leave the intensive care unit, let alone recover enough to be transferred to a hospital ward or return home.
Darcy Metcalf, 17, (pictured in hospital) was on his way to his football team’s photo shoot when he was involved in a horrific car crash that left him with ‘catastrophic’ brain injuries
The teenager (pictured center as a 13-year-old) played for the Northern Knight Cats football team in the Metro North competition in Perth
But against all odds, the teenager was released from intensive care and is now undergoing rehabilitation at Fiona Stanley Hospital.
Family friend Chailee Richards told Daily Mail Australia the teenager’s recovery was slow but improving every day.
“His competitive nature took over and his passion for the game saw him become one of the loudest and fiercest competitors in the world,” Ms Richards said.
“He has reached the point where he desperately wants to be home with his family, and his medical team is working to discharge him within the next eight weeks,” she said.
Ms Richards told Daily Mail Australia that Darcy was recently discharged to spend a day or two at home with his family.
The family had set up a hospital bed in the living room, along with a curtain for privacy when he needed to be changed.
“He’s a 17-year-old with no privacy. That is not sustainable for a young man,” she said.
She has one now GoFundMe fundraiser to help transform the family’s garage into an independent living space for Darcy, giving him the privacy he needs.
A GoFundMe page has been started to raise money so the teen can go home. The money will go towards turning the family garage into an independent space for Darcy Metcalf (pictured)
‘Against all odds’: Teen has recovered despite doctors initially telling his family to prepare for their son and brother not being allowed to leave intensive care, let alone in a hospital were allowed to stay in the normal hospital department or were allowed to go home again (photo Darcy Metcalf in the hospital)
“Darcy’s home is not designed for the 24-hour care he needs.
“He cannot safely get through the narrow hallway to his bedroom, and the bathroom and toilet are too small to close the door and give him the privacy and dignity he deserves.”
Ms Richards said construction costs will exceed $100,000, and a van will be needed to transport the teenager to his long-term medical appointments, which will cost between $60,000 and $70,000.
Before the accident, the family had two incomes. Now they rely on one income, as Darcy’s mother has become his full-time caregiver.
“The family is overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity,” Mrs Richards said.
‘The saddest part of Darcy’s story is that his accident happened just as his family was starting to see Darcy blossom and come into his own, with belief in himself and big dreams for his future.’
Darcy Metcalf (centre) with his team, the Northern Knight Cats, aged 11 and 12. His team supports him and before every match they say: ‘let’s do this for Darcy’
Ms Richards said Darcy was in Year 11 at the time of the crash and had missed many important events.
“The ball, the Year 11 dinner dance, the Year 12 retreat – all those special moments,” she said.
Many of his teammates witnessed the horrific accident, she explained.
‘These boys have experienced something traumatic at a very vulnerable age.
“They all shed tears, some broke down, and it was humbling to see them open up and show their vulnerability.”
She described Darcy as a “shy, unassuming kid” who “never caused his family any trouble” – but on the football field he shone.
“His passion for the game and his teammates was so evident – everyone loved seeing him come out of his shell and be one of the loudest and fiercest competitors on match day,” Ms Richards said.