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Tree Crushes SUV, Driver Faces Grueling Recovery
28 May
Summary
- A massive tree branch crushed an SUV in LaPorte County, Indiana.
- The driver sustained severe spinal injuries and faces a long recovery.
- The family awaits insurance approval for specialized rehabilitation in Chicago.
A LaPorte County woman, Kaity Schultz, is recovering from severe spinal injuries sustained when a massive tree branch fell onto her SUV on May 18. The incident occurred as she was driving after dropping her son at daycare. Crews worked for up to two hours to free her from the wreckage.
Her husband, Chris, described the terrifying initial moments and the subsequent airlift to surgery. Doctors managed to relieve pressure on her spinal cord, but the damage is significant, with walking being a low probability. The family is now seeking insurance approval for Kaity to transfer to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago for intensive rehabilitation.
The incident happened during 18-mile-per-hour winds, but it remains unclear if weather was the direct cause. Chris shared the difficulty of explaining the situation to their young son and Kaity's determination to stay positive during her recovery. She has moved out of the ICU and anticipates weeks of intensive rehab followed by outpatient therapy.
