A WYNNUM teenager remains in an induced coma after being struck by two vehicles at Belmont, with his devastated family determined not to leave his bedside.
Sixteen-year-old Rylie Grady is in the intensive care unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital after the traumatic September 26 crash on Old Cleveland Rd.
His mum Jazmine, dad Paul and brother Hunter have remained by his side after multiple surgeries, holding his hand, talking to him and willing him to keep fighting.
Rylie, who previously attended Wellington Point State High School and is now a student at BUSY Schools in Cleveland, suffered major injuries including fractures to his skull, hip and legs.
In an emotional update shared through a GoFundMe campaign set up to support the family, organiser Shari Holley said the teenager was now stable but faced a long and difficult road to recovery.
“Through every frightening moment, every surgery and every update, his family have not left his side,” she said.
“He has been surrounded by the people who love him most, talking to him, holding his hand and reminding him that he is not alone in this fight.”
The fundraiser, launched to help the family manage time away from work, hospital travel, household bills, rehabilitation and ongoing care, raised close to $10,000 within days.
Ms Holley said the response reflected how deeply loved Rylie is by his family, friends and the wider community.
“To everyone who has donated, shared the fundraiser, sent a message, said a prayer or simply kept Rylie in your thoughts – thank you,” she said.
“To have raised close to $10,000 in such a short amount of time is overwhelming, and it is a true reflection of just how loved our boy is.”
The family has also thanked the emergency services crews who rushed to Rylie’s aid on the night of the crash.
“In the most terrifying moments imaginable, they acted quickly and gave Rylie the care he desperately needed,” Ms Holley said.
“We will forever be grateful for their response and the part they played in giving him the best possible chance.”
Queensland Police said initial investigations indicated Rylie was struck by two vehicles shortly before 9.45pm on Old Cleveland Rd.
The first vehicle, described as a dark SUV, left the scene before emergency services arrived.
Police said the second driver, a 19-year-old Zillmere man, was not physically injured.
Rylie was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition.
Investigations into the crash are continuing, with police appealing for witnesses and anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward.
For those closest to Rylie, however, every moment is now focused on the hospital room where their beloved son and brother is fighting to wake up and heal.
“He should be out with his mates, laughing, making memories and simply being a 16-year-old boy – not lying in an ICU fighting to recover from injuries no child should ever have to endure,” Ms Holley said.
“Our boy is still here,” the fundraiser update said. He is still fighting. And we will keep fighting right beside him, for as long as it takes.”
Anyone with information or dashcam footage, contact Policelink at police.qld.gov.au/reporting or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting reference QP2601912044.
