Greenwood student released from Pitt
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on February 3, 2006 1:53 PM
The Greenwood Middle School student hospitalized and in a coma after being struck by a vehicle in the school's crosswalk in November is now home, school officials said this morning.
Eighth-grader Carson Thomas, 13, was released from Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville on Tuesday, said Ken Derksen, public information officer for Wayne County Public Schools.
Thomas and classmate Mackenzie Wessels, also 13, were hit by a driver who allegedly ran a red light at an intersection in front of the school. Both were initially taken to Pitt Memorial with serious injuries.
Mack suffered broken bones and lower body injuries from the accident. Since he was released from the hospital, teachers at the school have assisted him with his studies during his recuperation at home.
Carson, whose injuries were more extensive, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury from the accident.
His father, Doug Thomas, said, "Carson is doing well physically but still has a long way to go to recover from his injury. We want to thank everyone for their support, thoughts and prayers.
"We are grateful that everyone is concerned about him and wants to know how he is doing, but we are adjusting to a very different and difficult lifestyle. Therefore, we are limiting visitors and are not making any other statements on Carson's condition at this time. Please continue to keep Carson in your thoughts and prayers."
Any time a tragedy such as this occurs, it affects more than the students or parents in that particular school, Superintendent Dr. Steven Taylor said. While there has been an outpouring of concern and support from the community, he asked that the public allow the boys' families time to focus on healing.
"This is still a difficult time for the Wessels and the Thomases as their children slowly recover. To help give the families needed space, Wayne County Public Schools is respecting their request for privacy and are asking concerned community members to continue keeping their families in their thoughts, but not to contact them as they are already coping with so much," he said.