ELK RIVER, Minn. — An Elk River teenager is improving after he was involved in a car crash that killed two other teenagers.
The crash happened at the intersection of Highway 25 and Pleasant Avenue on July 6. His friends, Tony Krider and Donovan Gobel, were killed.
Tracy Tougas said her nephew, Charles Gabrelcik, was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center to be treated for his injuries.
“He’s doing better than he was initially. He is in surgery right now. They’re working to repair his severely broken neck. He was alert yesterday and doing a little bit of communication, but he’s not currently breathing on his own,” Tougas said.
In a statement, the Galbrelcik family said Charles is still in the ICU with a severely broken neck and a trisected spinal cord. He had surgery on Monday to stabilize his neck.
Tougas said he’s doing as well as he can after surviving a horrific crash.
“It doesn’t appear that he has any brain damage at this time. He’s able to communicate, spell words — that’s one of the ways we’re communicating. He knows who people are when they’re there. He says 'I love you' and he asks for hugs,” she said.
Tougas said he’s a sweet and kind teenager, who loves to stay active. He plays football, hockey and baseball.
In a statement, the Galbrecik family said in part, "Our hearts are shattered for him as he lived for sports and hanging out with his friends."
There has been a GoFundMe set up to assist the family.
Tougas said her nephew appreciates everyone who has to come to visit him in the hospital and the support he’s receiving from the community.
“The continued support and prayers are super helpful. The GoFundMe would help their family as they navigate through,” Tougas said.
Several people have stopped by the memorial to lay flowers, hang cards and place mementos at the crash site.
“Honestly, I didn’t feel like it was real."
Daniel Yogei came to the memorial to remember Krider and Gobel. He grew up across the street from Krider.
“Tony was an extroverted person. He was loud, loved to be around people, loved to hang out,” Yogei said. “He was always there for me no matter what.”
He said Krider was a great friend, and it was important for him to visit the memorial.
“I know that he’s watching us down here right now, you know, and I just want him to know I do care about him,” he said.
The Elk River football team will host a vigil at Fresno Park at 8:30 p.m. to remember Krider and Gobel and pray for Gabrelcik’s recovery.
Tougas said she is driving from St. Cloud to attend.
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