A high school student lost both of her legs after getting plowed by a speeding driver on February 18.
16-year-old Janae Edmondson of Smyrna, Tennessee, is a dedicated member of the Mid-Tennessee Volleyball Club who was visiting St. Louis for a tournament when a 21-year-old convicted felon Daniel Riley slammed into her with his car at high speed.
In the collision, the speeding driver allegedly pinned the young girl between his car and another parked vehicle.
Following the horrific incident, it was revealed that the teenager and aspiring volleyball player signed with a collegiate volleyball team just days before she was mowed down while returning back to her hotel with her family.
It has also come to light that the injuries she sustained were severe and that the doctors were forced to amputate both of her legs to save her life.
“A wonderful kid with a great smile, a three-sport athlete. She has lost both limbs below her waist, so for us, how do you find words to explain our sorrow? We really can’t,” MID-TN VBC assistant director Jeff Wismer said in an interview with 13 ABC.
“We have frustration. We have anger over any responsible act, a missed sign or whatever was a causation of this.”
Speaking to KSDK, Wismer added: “Her life has changed, and we are going to need people to love her and support her and support that family as they evolve and we are just so thankful that she’s with us.”
Paying a tribute to the talented young athlete was also Janae’s former coach, Jay Umboh, who branded the teenager as tough and gifted.
“Life doesn’t make sense sometimes. Losing your legs as a young athlete about to play college ball is as tragic as it can get. But if anyone can overcome this, I know it’s you Janae,” he said.
According to the reports, Riley was already arrested and charged with second-degree assault on top of several misdemeanors.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe fundraiser was launched for Janae and her medical expenses.
Our thoughts are with Janae during this challenging time.
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