Motorcycle Accident Costs Strongsville Teen His Leg

David Watson was riding his motorcycle on Route 303 in Valley City about 7:30 a.m. June 9 when someone made a left turn in front of him.

With no time to stop, David's bike rammed the car. He was thrown about 30 feet. 

Luckily, he was wearing a helmet. "It saved his life," his mom, Theresa Dunham, said.

But it couldn't protect his foot from being crushed and the arteries severed, or his hip from being shattered. 

Taken by Life Flight helicopter to Akron General Hospital, David, 19, was given a number of blood transfusions and underwent a risky four-hour surgery to repair his hip socket. 

There was no saving his foot. His leg was amputated just below the knee.

But Theresa said there is still much to be grateful for. He's done a "phenomenal" job in therapy could could be released from in-patient rehab as early as Friday.

"He's very motivated to go back to what he was doing before," she said. "He's had to deal with the emotional acceptance and grieving for his leg. But he's doing great."

Moving Forward

David, a 2011 graduate of Strongsville High School, is determined to return to classes at CCC West, where he is studying to be a radiology technician, and to Home Depot and Dairy Queen in Strongsville, where he works.

In fact, Theresa gave the okay for his Home Depot manager to visit David in the hospital to reassure him his job would still be waiting for him.

"Of all the things to worry about, he was most worried about his job," Theresa said. "He loves it there."

His bosses haven't been alone in supporting him. Theresa said she's been moved by the response of friends, acquaintances and even strangers who have sent David cards, prayers and gifts.

"Everyone has reached out," she said. "The community has just been amazing."

Friends are organizing a fundraiser to help the family with the medical bills, which are sure to be staggering.

"I can't even begin to imagine what the cost is going to be," said Theresa, who also has a younger son, Johnny, entering high school this year.

An event is set for July 12 at Johnny Malloy's, 15323 Pearl Rd. From 7-10 p.m., guests can pay $20 at the door for a dinner of pizza, pasta, salad and beverages to benefit David and his family.

There will also be basket raffles and sideboards. 

A prosthetic foot is in his future, but David isn't able to put any weight on his newly reconstructed hip for a few months. 

Meanwhile, David, who loves the outdoors, is getting around with a walker, wheelchair and crutches. 

And his mom is finding an amazing outpouring of support from Strongsville.

"It's been amazing," she said. "It's such a great place to live."