Young Couple Faces Heartbreaking Challenge After Severe Accident on Trip to Celebrate Family Birthday

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Heart-wrenching Accident Leaves a Young Couple in Distress

In an unfortunate turn of events, a Knoxville woman, Malia Duarte, finds herself in a challenging situation as she waits for her fiancé, Austin Bowman, to recover in an Alabama hospital. The couple, engaged just a few months ago in April, was traveling to Alabama to celebrate Duarte’s father’s birthday. Instead of planning their wedding, they are now grappling with the recovery process after a freak traffic incident that left Bowman with severe injuries.

A Trip Turned Upside Down

Just hours before the accident, Bowman had been bubbling with excitement over a new purchase — a 2024 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. “He was so excited about this truck,” Duarte reminisces. They had plans for a joyous celebration, but fate had other plans.

As they approached their destination, their drive took a terrifying twist. “I saw something black flying toward our windshield,” Duarte recalls. “It was like a meteorite coming at us.” In a moment that nobody could prepare for, a tire struck the truck. The impact was jarring, leaving Duarte in shock. “I turned to Austin, but I couldn’t even see his face because everything was on him, and he wasn’t responsive,” she said, revealing the harrowing memory.

The Aftermath of the Impact

With her dog in her arms, Duarte acted quickly, dialing 911 and calling for help. The truck, which was in cruise control at the time of the accident, veered off the road into the grass. After it came to a stop, she managed to park it safely. A good Samaritan in a white minivan rushed over to assist, and Duarte credits him for possibly saving their lives. “I still don’t know his name, but I really knew that God sent him,” she said. This stranger helped direct emergency responders and ensured they arrived on scene within ten minutes.

While Duarte only sustained some road rash and a minor neck injury, Austin bore the brunt of the accident’s force. “He’s suffering from a traumatic brain injury,” she shared. The doctors are keeping him sedated while they assess the situation. “He has multiple bones in his face that are broken, and they’re worried about his eyes as well. We’re just waiting for him to be out of pain to go forward with his treatment,” Duarte said, highlighting their difficult journey ahead.

The Lessons Learned

This incident has struck a chord with Duarte, especially since her father owns a mobile tire company. She believes that with proper tire safety, this ordeal could have been avoided. “I think the tire came off a trailer. It’s a critical reminder for everyone to ensure that tires are correctly installed and thoroughly checked before hitting the road,” she emphasized. “We hope this helps at least one person take extra time and spend a little more to ensure safety.” Duarte urges that **tire safety is nothing to overlook** and should be a priority for any driver.

Support and Hope for Recovery

In light of the recent events, a family friend has set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with Bowman’s surgical expenses and to provide accommodation for Duarte while she stays in Alabama. “I’m not going home without him. We’re going to be here for as long as it takes. He’s in a really good place,” she reassured everyone, promoting a sense of hope amidst the turmoil.

Looking Ahead

This harrowing experience has not only tested their love and strength but also shines a light on the importance of safety on the road. **As this couple navigates these challenging times, the power of community support and the hope for recovery will undoubtedly shine through the clouds of uncertainty.**