The local community is rallying around East Clinton honor roll student, FFA member and three-sport athlete Dakota Collom, who was recently seriously injured in an automobile accident.
East Clinton Athletic Director Brian Carey, with the permission of the Collom family, recently shared this about the 17-year-old junior who plays basketball, baseball and golf for the Astros:
“Thursday evening, Dakota Collom was involved in a single-vehicle wreck in which he suffered multiple serious injuries. Dakota suffered multiple fractures in his pelvis, a fractured sternum, a lacerated spleen, ruptured bladder, internal organ damage, internal blood loss, serious concussion and multiple stitches among other minor injuries. The trauma team believes they have successfully gained control of his injuries and placed external rods and screws to stabilize the pelvis.
“At this time, the family and East Clinton would like to thank everyone that has reached out with thoughts and prayers for Dakota and his family,” the statement continued. “The trauma team does believe he will make a full recovery at this time. It will be a long recovery but we are very grateful to still have Dakota here with us. Dakota is not only a leader as an athlete, he is a leader in the classroom and community. He gives 100% in every aspect of his life and we are confident he will make a full recovery, sooner rather than later.”
Collom was preparing for the upcoming basketball season, looking to build on his first team All-SBAAC honor last season.
“This has brought us closer together as a team,” EC second-year head coach Phillip Shori told the News Journal. “Dakota is a team-first player and he doesn’t want this to affect how our season progresses. We have guys that are stepping up and becoming leaders and taking on different roles and I like the direction that we are going. We are looking forward to Dakota coming back and being with the team.”
Dakota’s parents are Angie and Walt Collom.
Angie told the News Journal Tuesday that Dakota is “stable, and as of right now, does not have any new hurdles facing him.”
She has also posted on social media that cards are appreciated.
“Gratitude, humbled and actually overwhelmed by the outpouring love and prayers for Dakota,” she stated. “We appreciate those that want to help monetarily, but get well are going to be just as important.” Cards may be mailed to Dakota Collom at 2456 Rapid Ford Road, New Vienna, OH 45159.
Angie Collom wishes to express her appreciation for how supportive the Wilmington Bible Baptist Church family has been, and that both the church and East Clinton are setting up a meal train.
Amy Daniels has organized a GoFundMe fundraiser on behalf of Angie Collom.
“The Collom family is one of the best you will ever run into,” stated Daniels on the GoFundMe page. “I know they would appreciate your thoughts and prayers. He will have a long recovery being wheelchair bound for several weeks. Funds would help with ramp, and supplies for home once he gets there.
“Any donation will help even just a small amount from each of us can help cover some expense. If you can’t donate please pray for him in his journey to recovery.”
As of early afternoon Tuesday, they exceeded the original goal — having raised $9,405 to help the family with the many expenses ahead — and they’re now shooting for $15,000. “Our family is humbled and extremely grateful for each and every one who has donated. Thank you so much,” said Daniels in a Monday update on the GoFundMe page. “Dakota’s medical team stated today that he will be moved to a rehabilitation facility immediately after he’s released from hospital. This changes our goal due to expenses above what we originally thought assuming he was going to get to come directly home. Please continue prayers and blessings for Dakota.”
You can donate at https://gofund.me/f0687a33 .
Wilmington Nutrition will host a fundraiser on Nov. 19 with $2 from every tea puchase going to Collom family. Roscoe’s in New Vienna will be hosting a fundraiser on Nov. 20 with 10% of pizza sales going to the family.
The family wishes to thank the Wilmington Bible Baptist Church and East Clinton Administrator Amy Crowe for setting up a meal train for the family. They also wish to thank the entire community for their support.
