Father of injured Xavier Prep student speaks out at crash site
“That’s just the worst phone call I’ve ever had in my life,” said Pascal Rushin, father of Jaylen Rushin.
Jaylen was the student most seriously injured in a rollover crash involving three Xavier Prep students just over a month ago. His father tells us he’s still in recovery today.
“He’s my only boy…my only son. Growing up he was just the best kid,” said Rushin.
According to the police report, two other boys involved picked Jaylen up just after 2:30 am. The boys lost control of the car on Avenue 42 and Madison street in Indio. Jaylen, a passenger, was ejected from the car and airlifted to the hospital, needing emergency brain surgery.
“He was not speaking for at least the first two weeks…it was really hard to deal with because with that type of injury we didn’t know what his progression would be,” said Rushin.
The report also says the officer on scene did not smell or see evidence of alcohol, and that the boys lost control after hitting a dip in the road.
Jaylen’s father and KESQ’s Madison Weil returned to examine that dip and the scene where his son was so critically injured.
“This is my first time coming to the scene…it’s really tough. I’m thankful my son is alive but to know that he was out here in the middle of the desert in the middle of the night…where there’s not a lot of drivers driving this road at night…it could have went a lot worse,” said Rushin.
Rushin says the lack of lighting and signage in the area, poor road conditions and speeding drivers are a concern in the area.
“There’s no signs saying slow down…I think what is needed is something that says ‘dip ahead,'” said Rushin.
Rushin also says it’s so important for parents to know where their kids are and to talk to them about the dangers of inexperienced driving and not wearing a seat belt.
“It’s sad that my son had to be involved in this and that I have to try and bring awareness but I think it’s necessary,” he said.
Pascal says Jaylen’s getting stronger each day: “He knows it’s going to be a road to get there but he is very positive about the outlook of his future…he’s fighting through this and I’m witnessing a miracle.”
According to the Center for Disease Control car crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. Our local California Highway Patrol offers free classes for teens and parents to prepare them for life behind the wheel.
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