An Australian teenager was left unable to walk and talk after a horror car accident while traveling to a football event.
Darcy Metcalf, 17, was on her way to a photo shoot with her Northern Knight Cats football team in Perth’s northern suburbs when the accident occurred in July 2023.
The accident occurred just 200 meters from the football club and many of his teammates watched it unfold.
The accident left Darcy with multiple broken bones and a catastrophic brain injury that required four months of intensive care treatment at the Royal Perth Hospital.
At first, doctors feared for his survival, doubting he would ever leave the intensive care unit, much less recover enough to be moved to a hospital ward or returned 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 accident which left him with “catastrophic” brain injuries.
The teenager (pictured center aged 13) played for the Northern Knight Cats football team in the Metro North competition in Perth.
But against all odds, the teenager was discharged from the ICU and is now undergoing rehabilitation at Fiona Stanley Hospital.
Family friend Chailee Richards told Daily Mail Australia the teenager’s recovery was slow but progressing every day.
“His competitive streak took over and passion for the game made him one of the loudest and fiercest competitors on the field,” Ms Richards said.
“He’s gotten to the point where he’s desperate 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 it was necessary to change him.
‘He’s a 17-year-old boy with no privacy. “That’s not sustainable for a young man,” he said.
Now he has launched a GoFundMe Fundraiser to help transform the family garage into a separate home for Darcy, giving him the privacy he needs.
A GoFundMe page was started to raise money so the teen can return home. The money will go towards converting the family garage into a separate space for Darcy Metcalf (pictured).
‘Against all odds’: The teenager has improved, even though doctors initially told his family to prepare for his son and brother not to leave the ICU, much less be in a normal hospital ward or were allowed to return home (pictured, Darcy Metcalf in the hospital).
‘Darcy’s home is not designed for the level of 24-hour care he will need.
“She can’t safely walk down the narrow hallway to her bedroom, and the bathroom and toilet are too small to close the door and give her the privacy and dignity she 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. They now rely on a single income because Darcy’s mother has become her full-time caregiver.
“The family is overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity,” Mrs Richards said.
“The saddest thing about Darcy’s story is that his accident occurred just as his family was beginning to see Darcy blossom and develop, with conviction in himself and big dreams for his future.”
Darcy Metcalf (center) with her 11 and 12 year old Northern Knight Cats team. His team has been supporting him and before every game they say, “Let’s do this for Darcy.”
Ms Richards said Darcy was in Year 11 at the time of the accident and had missed many important events.
“The dance, the Year 11 dinner dance, the Year 12 retreat… all those special moments,” she said.
Many of his soccer teammates witnessed the horrible accident, he explained.
‘These children have gone through something traumatic at a very vulnerable age.
“They have all shed tears, some have broken down and it has been humbling to see them open up and show their vulnerability.”
He described Darcy as a “shy, modest boy” who “never caused his family any problems” but on the football field he shined.
“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 game day,” Ms Richards said.
