COLUMBUS, Ind. (Feb. 3, 2015)– A high school basketball star is recovering after being seriously injured in a weekend car crash. Now, his future college teammates are sending him a special message.
Josh Speidel, 18, suffered head trauma and internal injuries Sunday night during a crash in Bartholomew County. Police said Speidel had to be extricated from the car he was driving. He is currently in critical but stable condition at Methodist Hospital. Speidel is in coma, but FOX59 was told he has been able to move his arms and legs.
Speidel plays for the Columbus North High School Bulldogs. He plans on attending the University of Vermont in the fall on a basketball scholarship.
His future teammates in Vermont posted a YouTube video Monday night wishing Speidel a speedy recovery. The basketball players even did a cheer in honor of Speidel – chanting the phrase “Josh Strong.”
Tuesday, Speidel’s parents spoke to FOX59 News and thanked the public for the outpouring of support. They said they know his recovery will be long.
“It’s really, really hard to put into words, because it’s that support that’s carried us, and I know it’s that support that’s also carrying Josh,” said his mother, Lisa. “I know he feels it.”
Tuesday night, the Columbus North Bulldogs will play Hamilton Southeastern at 7:30. A dinner at 5 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria will kick off the game. It is $5 to eat, and the money raised will go towards Speidel’s medical expenses.