High school volleyball star Janae Edmondson’s GoFundMe has raised more than $230,000 after the Tennessee teen had both legs amputated after being struck by a car while attending a volleyball tournament in St. Louis.
On Saturday, February 18, 2023, 16-year-old Janae Edmondson was seriously injured while walking with her parents to their hotel after a volleyball tournament. Multiple reports said the teen, who was in St. Louis for the tournament, was struck after an unlicensed Audi driver ran a yield sign and struck a car that became airborne and struck the teen.
Edmondson was rushed to a hospital where both legs had to be amputated. Rhonda Ross, owner and director of the Mid-TN Volleyball Club, who created the GoFundMe page, said that while she is stable, the teen suffered serious injuries and will require medical attention for the foreseeable future.
Janae Edmondson had committed to playing college volleyball before losing her legs.
This strong girl and her family need all the prayers and support of the community. There is a GoFundMe available through the MidTN volleyball club. #juegofornae #onlyones https://t.co/8ZspPvatZq
The crowdfunding page created for Janae Edmondson has raised more than $230,000, far exceeding the expectations of the Tennessee volleyball team, which set a goal of raising $100,000 to help the family meet the teen’s financial needs. that he had committed to play college volleyball for a week. before the incident.
According to NBC affiliate KSDK, Jeff Wismer, deputy director of Mid-TN VBC, commented on the tragic incident that changed the trajectory of Edmondson’s life.
“Her life has changed, and we’re going to need people to love her and support her and support that family as it evolves and we’re so grateful that she’s with us.”
added:
“Words cannot describe the sadness our community has. I think we have words to describe our anger honestly and we think it’s a healthy feeling that we have. A sense of loss for Janae and her family at this time. We are so grateful and blessed That she’s alive and that can be the starting point for us is that we’re grateful that she’s here.”
Janae Edmondson was at a crosswalk with her parents on her way home from a volleyball tournament when police allege Daniel Riley ignored and sped through a yield sign, striking her and another car. (City of Smyrna, St. Louis Police Department) twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/rcPBSY1rDF
The Audi driver who struck Janae Edmondson was identified as 21-year-old Daniel Riley. According to the New York Post, authorities said Riley was allegedly driving 45 mph in a 20 mph zone when he ran through a yield sign on the street and struck a vehicle that struck Edmondson.
They added that Riley, who was out on bail for a robbery incident, was driving without a license and was under house arrest when he ventured out in violation of the terms of the GPS monitoring bracelet. The suspect was arrested and charged with multiple counts of assault, including second degree assault.