Meath student (20s) in serious condition following horrific car crash in the US

Twenty-two-year-old Shane Campbell remains in a serious condition in Chicago’s John H Stroger Hospital after a taxi he was a passenger in was involved in a collision, leaving the Kells student in an induced coma in hospital.

The crash, which occurred on June 5, has resulted in the popular Meath man undergoing no fewer than ten surgeries to correct several broken bones and internal injuries sustained in the immediate aftermath of the collision.

In recent days, the Drumbaragh GFC clubman’s condition has improved with the talented sportsman having regained consciousness.

In a bid to aid his path to recovery, a major fundraising campaign has been set in motion by friends and family to help cover the medical costs associated with Shane’s ongoing treatment.

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In a post on the online fundraising platform GoFundMe, friends told of how the young Meath man’s dream of following in the footsteps of so many other like-minded students his age had been taken away in the blink of an eye.

“Shane Campbell is a 22-year-old student from Kells, Co. Meath, who went to Chicago to work for the summer, like so many Irish students,” read a post. “Shane’s American dream turned into a nightmare as the taxi he was a passenger in was involved in a horrific car crash.

“Shane was initially maintained in an induced coma and intubated.

“As well as several broken bones, more seriously, Shane suffered significant abdominal trauma which has required ten surgical procedures to date and may require more in the future.

“He has thankfully improved, is awake and cognitive, but faces a long road to recovery. He needs several more weeks of medical care in John H Stroger Hospital of Cook County followed by months of rehab.”

The young Meath man astutely had travel insurance in place, security that has so far helped to cover the costs of his primary health care.

However, given the serious nature of his condition and injuries sustained in the crash, friends of the likeable Kells man have appealed to the public in a bid to raise funds to cover his long-term rehabilitation.

In just three days, the appeal has managed to amass over €40,000, monies organisers hope will continue to rise over the coming days.

“Shane is supported by his twin brother Niall, who was also in Chicago for the summer, his mother Jean, who flew from Ireland to be with him and will remain there for the months ahead,” added the post.

“Shane’s sister Grace and father David who have stayed, for now, in Kells.

“Shane is a much-loved son, brother, colleague, and teammate within our community.

“His family are known far and wide from Manhattan to Meath.

“But now they need your help. Shane has shown great courage in his progress so far and is determined to fully recover and get home.

Please help support him and his family through this difficult time.”

David McManus PRO with Drumbaragh Emmets GFC and who is no stranger to fundraisers having been involved in raising over €250,000 in the community in recent years said locals were remaining hopeful their much admired club colleague would, in time, make a full recovery.

“The early reaction to Shane’s fundraiser gives us plenty of encouragement, and that what we need right now.”

“There have been so many fatal accidents of Irish people abroad in recent years. Thankfully Shane is still with us and with the help of the people of Kells and the GAA community around the world, he’ll be back on his feet sooner rather than later.”

“Shane, like all the Campbell family, would always be the first to donate or volunteer time for good causes, it’s time to repay our clubman’s kindness.”

To donate to the Support4Shane fundraiser, click here.