A 5-year-old boy in Colton, California, remains in critical condition after surviving a devastating crash nearly two weeks ago that claimed the lives of four members of his family. Nathaniel Rodríguez, the only survivor of the December 15 accident, lost his father, his father’s girlfriend, and both of his grandparents in the tragic accident.
Nathaniel’s mother, Adriana Shrem, shared her pain with KABC, saying“You know, you never think this could happen to you until it happens.” He has spent countless sleepless nights at his son’s side at UC Irvine Medical Center, where Nathaniel is being treated for severe burns, broken limbs and other serious injuries.
The young man is currently on a ventilator and has undergone multiple surgeries, including treatment for a bacterial skin infection. In addition to the burns and infection, Nathaniel broke his legs in the accident and had to have both of his arms amputated below the elbow.
His condition remains critical and his mother describes the situation as “day by day.” He added: “Every day he comes out of surgery is a blessing… It’s everything I could ever want.” The accident occurred on the eastbound side of Interstate 10 near Riverside Avenue, when the car Nathaniel and his family were traveling in went off the road, hit a tree stump and caught fire.
Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the accident or the official cause of death of the four deceased family members. In the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, a GoFundMe page was created to help cover Nathaniel’s medical expenses and support his family during this difficult time.
The page says, “We are creating this GoFundMe to help raise funds for what we anticipate will be a long and emotional journey away from your home and your ability to work. The money we raise will allow you to be by your little one’s side every day to give him the strength he will need to heal.”
Shrem offered a moving message to others, urging them not to take life for granted: “(Don’t) take life for granted… Love those around you. If you have any animosity towards someone… just be happy. “Life is too short and you never know what can happen in the blink of an eye.”