A 6-year-old boy is recovering from life-threatening injuries after a weekend crash in Florida that left two teenagers dead, according to his family.
The collision happened around 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, on State Road 33 near Groveland Farms Road in Lake County, NBC affiliate WESH and ABC affiliate WFTV reported, citing the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers said a 16-year-old girl driving a 2008 Toyota Scion moved into the northbound lane while trying to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone. After noticing an oncoming 2021 Lincoln Aviator driven by a 75-year-old man from Lakeland, she tried to return to her lane but lost control. The Scion spun back into the northbound lane, authorities said, and the Aviator struck the passenger side of the car, causing it to flip.
The teen driver, identified as Jade, and her 17-year-old passenger, Jose Ivan — reported by WESH to be her boyfriend — were pronounced dead at the scene.
Three people in the Aviator, including the 75-year-old driver, a 66-year-old woman and a 5-year-old boy, suffered minor injuries. Another child riding in the Aviator, 6-year-old Nickai Mixon, was critically hurt and rushed to a local hospital.
In a statement shared through a GoFundMe campaign for Nickai, his family said his spine was “partially shattered” in the crash. They said he also underwent surgery for internal bleeding and remains hospitalized at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
Doctors have told the family there is “only a 50% chance he may walk again,” the statement said.
Nickai’s father, Michael Mixon, told WOFL that his son cannot feel his legs and that the family is taking the recovery “one day at a time.” He added that Nickai has shown remarkable strength.
“He’s a little warrior,” Mixon said. “We’re all sad, but we’re all still happy that he’s here.”
The GoFundMe for Nickai’s treatment and recovery has raised more than $8,000. In the campaign, the family said donations will help cover travel costs, medical expenses, lost income and the long rehabilitation ahead, and they thanked supporters for their help.
