- Lindsay Jaco has been in the hospital since late Saturday night, when she was struck from behind by a driver on a local highway
- Jaco was walking back from a St. Patrick’s Day celebration with two friends when the accident occurred
- Jaco’s friends do launched a GoFundMe to assist with what is believed to be a lengthy hospital stay
A 36-year-old mother is now fighting for her life after she was hit by a car while walking home from a St. Patrick’s Day event with friends on Saturday evening.
Lindsay Jaco, a mother of two, was walking along the shoulder of a highway in Cottleville, Missouri, shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday evening when a 59-year-old woman struck her from behind, seriously injuring her.
The driver was identified as Antoinette Bayless and was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, although she has since been released. according to local reports.
There were reportedly three other DUI arrests and several assaults that occurred at this year’s event.
Jaco suffered a serious head injury that caused bleeding in her brain. She was unconscious when she was taken to hospital.
36-year-old mother Lindsay Jaco was seriously injured this weekend when she was hit by a car while walking home from a St. Patrick’s Day celebration
The mother-of-two suffered serious head injuries, including internal bleeding. Although doctors say she showed signs of improvement on Monday and was able to come off the ventilator
Jaco’s mother, Kelly Heineneyer, says the situation is devastating for her family.
“We’re still fighting for her and praying for her and helping her get through this, and God willing, she will,” she said.
The young mother remained in critical condition early this week, but showed signs of improvement so doctors were able to take her off a ventilator and she could communicate with family.
Her sister, Madison Ruzicka, said, “She’s a great mom to her two little babies, just trying to get through for her kids.”
A friend of Jaco set up a GoFundMe for the mother’s long road to recovery. The page has raised just over $12,000 so far.
According to the page, Jaco is “currently receiving care at Mercy Hospital.”
“Although she is making progress, the next few days are crucial. She is surrounded by her family and friends as she continues to fight. Donations are not expected, but are certainly appreciated.”
In the wake of the horrific incident, some in the town of fewer than 6,000 people are wondering if more can be done to keep visitors safe during the annual St. Patrick’s Day activities.
The city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day event was attended by 20,000 to 30,000 people, the largest crowd in years.
The event is not sponsored by the city, but is organized by several companies.
Jaco’s friends launch one GoFundMe to help offset the costs of her lengthy hospital stay
Cottleville Police Chief Dave McCune said this is the first time he’s ever heard of an accident like this happening during the holidays, which usually revolves around drinking.
He added that the department is exploring a handful of changes that could be made in the future.
“We could absolutely close Highway N (where the accident occurred), and that’s something we’re looking at, but there’s a lot of things going into that,” he said.