By David Fleet

Editor

The parents of Goodrich High School Senior Joey Richvalsky had a message for the community last week.

“We have our son back! He’s alive! He’s working hard on a full and complete recovery,” said Joey Richvalsky, Sr., the youth’s father. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your prayers, good will thoughts and participation in fundraising events surrounding our son Joey Richvalsky’s tragic and unfortunate auto accident on Aug. 6 2016, were not only felt, heard and appreciated, but were answered in the most dramatic and miraculous way.”

The Richvalskys have plenty to be thankful for.

At about 3:30 a.m., Aug. 6, Davison Township Police Department responded to the 9000 block of Bristol Road for a crash of an SUV into an unoccupied excavator inside a closed section of roadway on Bristol Road just west of M-15. The roadway was closed due to construction on a bridge. Davison Township Police reported that Richvalsky was heading east on Bristol Road when he drove past a barricade and struck the excavator.

Davison City Police Department, Richfield Township Police Department, Davison Area Fire Department, Genesee County Sheriff Paramedics and Survival Flight helicopter from Livingston County all responded. Richvalsky was airlifted to the Hurley Medical Center in critical condition where he was placed in a medically-induced coma. The 18-year-old suffered very serious injuries to his head, lungs and legs.

Nearly a month-and-a-half after the automobile accident, Richvalsky’s improvements have been significant.

“Joey has one more round of surgery to endure and more rehab,” said Richvalsky, Sr. “With time and coaching he should be fully recovered, but please still pray. The power of prayer and good karma flows from our communities like water and truly nourishes us all! We are all blessed to live love and enjoy our homes and place on God’s good Earth. You all make this a special place.”

On Sept.12 a community fundraiser was held at Cranberries Cafe for the family.

“Special thanks goes to the Randy Wise auto group and Courtney McNab for their sponsorship of the spaghetti dinner benefit and silent auction. For those who donated and the automotive vendors—thanks, you are so very generous! Thanks to Patty Plant and her staff at Cranberries Cafe in Goodrich. The venue and food was excellent as usual. Also, the Pam and Rick Patterson family, our across-the-street neighbors, who had a hand in raising Joey as if he were one of their own.”

About 100 students attended a vigil to pray for Richvalsky at the Roy Stacey Sports Complex in Goodrich, just prior to the midnight start of football practice on Aug. 12. Along with the community, neighbors continue to support the family as Joey was transferred to Oragami Rehab Center in Mason, Mich. and continues to recover.

“Pam and Rick (Patterson) you’re irreplaceable!” he said. “In closing let’s all offer a prayer or positive thought of thanksgiving for all our blessings. Thanks again and again everyone!”