A five-year-old Nebraska boy was left with serious internal injuries after his father accidentally ran over a cardboard box the child had been playing inside while backing out of the driveway, police said.
The horrifying accident unfolded around 4pm on Wednesday at the family's home in the small town of North Platte, about 280 miles west of Omaha, according to local outlet KNOP.
Police said the boy’s father was backing his vehicle out of the garage when he drove over a box sitting behind the car, unaware his young son, Bridger Hughes, was hiding inside it.
Bridger suffered upper-body injuries and was initially rushed by ambulance to Great Plains Health before being life-flighted to the Children’s Hospital in Omaha due to the severity of his condition.
A GoFundMe page created by Bridger’s grandmother, Wendy Meyer, said the little boy is being treated for ‘serious internal injuries’ as doctors work to stabilize him.
‘The doctors and nurses are working tirelessly to help him heal, but his recovery will be a long and difficult journey,’ Meyer wrote.
Bridger’s devastated parents, Caitlyn Walter and Udell Hughes, have remained at their son’s bedside in Omaha while he undergoes treatment.
The fundraiser said the family is now facing mounting expenses as they stay away from home and work to support Bridger during his recovery.
Five-year-old Bridger Hughes was life-flighted to a children’s hospital after suffering serious injuries in a tragic driveway accident in Nebraska
Caitlyn Walther pictured with her son Bridger
‘The emotional and financial toll of this situation is overwhelming, as they focus all their energy on supporting Bridger and making sure he receives the best care possible,’ the page said.
The fundraiser added that travel costs, meals, lodging and other day-to-day expenses are quickly piling up as the family navigates the medical crisis.
North Platte police have not announced any charges in connection with the accident.
Meyer also said in a Facebook post that several fake accounts impersonating Caitlyn’s Venmo had been created, and urged anyone wishing to donate to contact her directly first.
Bridger’s maternal grandmother, Kerri Ross-Walther, also pleaded for prayers in a Facebook post as the family rallied around the injured five-year-old.
‘Please pray Bridger to heal and recover completely. Also pray for his parents as they are doing their best to stay strong,’ she wrote. ‘They are a good family. Accidents happen. Please say as many prayers as you can.’
She added: ‘We love you Bridger! And our kids and all grandchildren. We stand behind you! Many people do!’
Police said the boy’s father was backing his vehicle out of the garage when he drove over a box sitting behind the car, unaware Bridger was hiding inside it
Bridger suffered upper-body injuries and was initially rushed by ambulance to Great Plains Health before being life-flighted to Children’s Hospital in Omaha due to the severity of his condition.
Walther’s cousin, Pamela Reay, shared a similar message online, saying the tragedy had left the family devastated.
‘I've probably prayed more in the last 24 hours than I have in my entire life,’ Reay wrote in a Facebook post.
‘Regardless of your beliefs, just say a prayer, please.’