College Student Suffers ‘Catastrophic’ Burns After Being Hit by Alleged Drunk Driver on His Way to Campus

A college student’s life has been forever changed after suffering “severe and life-changing burns” in a crash caused by an alleged drunk driver on his way to campus.

Aidan Poole, 19, was driving on I-27 in Hale County toward the Texas Tech campus on Sunday, Sept. 7, when the accident occurred, News 13, ABC 7, and KCBD 11 reported.

The driver, Thomas Rich, has been arrested by the Hale County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and charged with intoxication assault, according to the outlets.

Aidan’s girlfriend, Jadzia, described the moment she learned of the crash in an interview with ABC 7.

“When I answered the phone, I could just hear everything in the back. I could hear sirens. I could hear Aidan in the back crying and freaking out. I could hear the wind and all the commotion. And I literally just went into complete shock,” she said.

Aidan’s mother, Kristi Poole, said seeing her son in the hospital was a harrowing experience no parent should endure.

“You don’t ever want to hear your child cry and scream, and just seeing all of his burns is something you never want to see,” she told ABC 7.

Kristi recalled that Aidan remained conscious during the accident. “He struggled trying to get the door unlocked,” she told News 13, adding, “He knew how to keep his eyes closed because there was so much fire.”

She said that she and her husband, James Poole, now spend as much time as possible at the hospital with their son.

“We get up to the hospital about 6 in the morning and just visit him for a little while. Then, we head to work, then we come back here after work, stay for the evening, have dinner with him. We don’t leave his room. Then we go back to the Airbnb then start it all over again,” she told News 13.

A GoFundMe set up for the Poole family says the other driver “slammed into” Aidan’s car from behind.

“The impact sent his vehicle airborne, and the gas tank exploded upon landing,” the fundraising page states.

The GoFundMe describes Aidan’s injuries as “catastrophic.”

“Aidan is now in the burn unit in Lubbock with severe and life-changing burns and is facing multiple surgeries. Aidan is also experiencing significant trauma and PTSD from the crash,” the page says.

The teen, who is a Texas Tech honors student, is described by loved ones as “selfless, tender-hearted, intelligent, and kind, with a witty sense of humor that draws people in.”

“Aidan’s family lives outside of Lubbock and is staying near the hospital to be with him. They face significant expenses for lodging, food, travel, legal fees, medical bills,” the GoFundMe organizers added.