Horror ‘Maccas run’ crash leaves teen with traumatic brain injury

A teenager who wasn’t expected to survive a horror crash west of Brisbane four months ago has defied the odds, but is unlikely to go home until at least mid 2025. WATCH THE VIDEO

A teenager left fighting for life after a horror crash west of Brisbane in August will spend Christmas in hospital and is unlikely go home until the middle of next year.

Paxton Zocaro-Retamal who turns 18 on December 23 suffered a severe, traumatic brain injury when the Toyota LandCruiser he was travelling in crashed on way to a “Maccas run” after a barbecue with friends.

Paxton was propelled from the vehicle after it slammed into a paperbark tree on a median strip on Whitmore Cres, Goodna, about 8.30pm.

Paxton Zocaro-Retamal was not expected to survive a car crash at Goonda in August. Photo: Supplied.

Paxton, who was in the back seat of the LandCruiser, was critically injured, while the driver and front seat passenger – both aged 17 – sustained minor injuries.

Three other passengers – boys aged 16 or 17 – were also treated at the scene for minor injuries.

In an exclusive sit-down interview with The Courier-Mail, Paxton’s mother, Natalie Zocaro said despite initially being told by doctors to “prepare for the worst” her “superhero” had defied the odds and had recently graduated Year 12.

Ms Zocaro said Paxton trained with his rehab team for three weeks to achieve a “nine-step walk on stage” for his graduation ceremony.

“The roar (from the crowd) was just unbelievable … we had to compose ourselves for a minute,” she said.

Paxton Zocaro-Retamal pictured with his parents. Photo: Supplied.

Ms Zocaro recounted the moment she received the phone call from Paxton’s dad, Pedro Retamal, telling her their son had been in an accident.

On her way to meet up with Mr Retamal she came across the crash scene.

“A police officer saw me running towards the ambulance and asked me who I was, I said that I was Paxton’s mum, ‘Where’s my son? He said ‘you can’t see your son at the moment, we’re taking him to the hospital, get to the hospital’,” she said.

“Obviously being told I couldn’t see my son, I’ve collapsed … I was quite hysterical.”

Under a police escort Ms Zocaro arrived at the PA hospital before the ambulance.

Then Paxton arrived.

“CPR was being performed on (Paxton) as he was wheeled past (me) … all I was hearing was ‘brain injury’, hearing they didn’t know if he was going to wake up, didn’t know if he’d had a stroke,” she said.

Paxton Zocaro-Retamal with this mother, Natalie. Photo: Supplied.

L to R, Physiotherapist Meg Ingram, Paxton 17yrs and Natalie Zocaro (mum). Photo: Steve Pohlner

Ms Zocaro was reunited with her son about eight hours later in ICU.

“Seeing Paxton in that state and in an induced coma was one of the most traumatising and traumatic things I’ve ever experienced,” she said.

While she waited for Paxton to open his eyes, Ms Zocaro started to compile her favourite photos and videos of the 17-year-old.

“That was my way of showing people that ‘look at this kid mate’, just watch this miracle happen, in the back of my mind I was going to be preparing for a funeral but that wasn’t going to stop me from hoping,” she said.

“In the first couple of days it was very touch and go, we were told to prepare for the worst.

“His tibia and fibula were completely shattered, (his) calf muscle had been ripped out … he had a shattered pelvis, a few broken ribs, one side of (his) face shattered.”

Ms Zocaro said Paxton remains in the PA Hospital’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU) which offers intensive inpatient rehabilitation during the early recovery stages after a brain injury.

The six-day therapy program is facilitated by an allied health team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians, social workers, rehabilitation engineers, psychologists, neuropsychologists, and clinical assistants.

Paxton Zocaro-Retamal after the crash. Photo: Supplied.

“The care that Paxton has received from the minute he came into this hospital has been world-class,” Ms Zocaro said.

“We can’t thank BIRU staff enough but the entire team that has looked after Paxton from start to now … it’s beautiful to see the home environment this place has.”

Ms Zocaro said Paxton will soon be moved to the PA Hospital’s Jasmine Unit at Wynnum West which offers extended inpatient rehabilitation.

She said Paxton previously dreamt of becoming an engineer in the mines but now had his sights set on “inspirational talks at schools”.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the cause of the crash to determine whether speed or alcohol were factors.

No charges have been laid.

“The last few months have been an emotional rollercoaster,” Ms Zocaro said.

“I don’t have tears anymore … this is our new norm and we are happy with that.

“I’ve seen this kid do things that even adults can’t do, I would have given up a long time ago.

“Paxton keeps saying ‘I’m not going anywhere mum, I’ve gotta be here for my girls’.”