Motorcyclist still in critical condition; GoFundMe site launched

Photo via Sebastian Garcia GoFundMe page

By Doug Spoon, Editor

A motorcyclist who was critically injured in a traffic collision on New Year’s Eve remains in a medically induced coma and faces a long road to recovery, a family member said on Thursday.

Seabstian Garcia, 20, of Menifee was involved in a collision with a Toyota Rav4 about 4:57 p.m. on Dec. 31 at the intersection of Newport Road and Lone Pine Drive, according to the Menifee Police Department. Garcia sustained multiple injuries and has been in an ICU unit ever since.

“The accident caused extensive injuries such as severe head trauma, brain bleeds, a collapsed lung, broken jaw and cheekbones, fractured ribs, etc.,” wrote Breanna Garcia, Sebastian’s sister, on a GoFundMe site established for the family. “This is just to name a few of the injuries. He still remains in critical condition in the ICU. His treatments and surgeries are intensive and will require months, if not years, of care and rehabilitation.”

Natassia Smick, a cousin of Sebastian, said he lives about a mile away from the crash site.

“His condition has improved incredibly slowly. However, it is still very critical and he is highly sedated,” Smick told Menifee 24/7. “His brain pressure has been very erratic, so it’s a very sensitive time for him.”

On the GoFundMe site, Breanna Garcia described the loving nature of her brother.

“Sebastian is a strong loving young man that although may have a tougher exterior, when given the chance to connect, he loves with his entire soul,” she wrote. “Sebastian is not one of many words, but he will protect and care for the people he loves. This was unfortunately how he got into his accident on New Year’s Eve.

“He was making a 20-minute pitstop to help a friend jump start their car prior to spending the night with his family. Little did we know how a pitstop could change all of our lives drastically for the worse. Now, he needs our help more than ever.”

The cause of the collision remains under investigation. The occupants of the other vehicle – a 70-year-old female and 40-year-old female – sustained “non-life-threatening injuries” and cooperated with investigators.

As of 12:30 p.m. Thursday, the GoFundMe Site had raised $7,230. It can be accessed at the following link:

Help Sebastian rebuild after devastating motorcycle accident