Chinchilla’s Critch family launches GoFundMe account for teen girl critically injured in crash
The shattered family of a teenage girl critically injured in a crash on the Western Downs last week have put aside their pain to support the recovery of the other teen victim.
QLD News
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The family of one of the two teenage girls critically injured in a crash on the Western Downs last week has raised $20,000 in a day for the other girl’s family.
Bree Critch and Cassi West, both 16, were both critically injured after the LandCruiser ute they were passengers in crashed into a house on Wambo St, Chinchilla, about 8.40pm on May 31.
The 18-year-old man driving the ute was not injured in the smash, but both Cassie and Bree were taken to hospital in critical conditions.
Cassi was flown to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane with a critical head injury.
Bree was taken to the Toowoomba Hospital with serious facial injuries, where her condition was upgraded to critical but stable.
A family friend, who did not want to be named, said Bree was recovering in hospital and was likely to be discharged in the coming weeks, but that Cassi was still in a coma.
“It’s really tragic,” the friend said.
“It’s been really nice to see the community come together but you just wish they didn’t have to.”
“We’re certainly doing everything we can to support the families but it’s something no parent should ever have to go through.”
Bree’s stepmother, Kirty Mitchell, took to social media last week to thank her community for their offerings of support.
“Thanks everyone for your support. Our baby girl Bree needs it more than you know,” she wrote.
“We need time to process what has happened and need some privacy for the coming weeks.”
Bree’s family have galvanised the Chinchilla community to raise money for Cassi’s recovery via a GoFundMe online fundraising campaign titled ‘Cassi West’.
“Cassi has been involved in a serious accident, and with permission from the family Don & Kirty are raising money for Cassi and her family in this difficult time,” the Critch family wrote on the fundraiser website.
“Our hearts go out to Michael, Helen, Liam (and) Cassi. Please donate whatever you can, the smallest amount will help.
“Much love to all.”
The fundraiser, launched Sunday afternoon, has already raised $19,800 of a $25,000 goal.
Maria Keating donated $250 and said she was praying for Cassi and her family.
“Cassi, I have only ever known you as Sassy Cassi. The strength of your parents is powerfully within you, too,” she wrote.
“Praying for the very best for you. All our love to you, Helen and Michael, and Liam and all of your families.”
Other messages of support poured in from 174 donors.
“Keep fighting beautiful girl!! We all miss you and are all praying for you and your family (love) Mia,” said one.
Most of the comments expressed the simple, heartfelt message of “Thoughts and prayers.”
The largest donation so far was $1,000 from the Chinchilla RSL Memorial Club.
It is understood Queensland Police are looking for a light-coloured Toyota Prado that could have been in the area at the time of the crash.
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