A Texas teen has been left fighting for his life after a suspected drunk driver allegedly slammed his Porsche into the student’s SUV.
Aidan Poole, 19, was on his way back to Texas Tech on September 7 after dog-sitting for his parents in Amarillo when Thomas Rich allegedly rear-ended him, causing his SUV to go up in flames, KCBD reported.
Rich, a 44-year-old director of Chief Oilfield Technologies LLC, an oil and gas company in Midland, was driving at an ‘excessive rate of speed’ when he collided into Poole’s car, officials said.
The force of impact from the crash made Poole’s car fly into the air before landing and catching on fire after the gas tank exploded, according to a GoFundMe page.
Poole, an honors student who just started his sophomore year at college, survived the incident after he managed to unlock the scolding hot car door, his mother, Kristi Poole, told the outlet.
‘His determination to get out of there. He struggled trying to get the door unlocked. He knew how to keep his eyes closed because there was so much fire.’
Rich, who lives in a $1.2 million home in Midland, has been charged with intoxication assault. He was released on bail Tuesday, according to KOSA.
The family said more charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Aidan Poole, 19, has been left with severe burns after his car went up in flames when Thomas Rich, 44, slammed his Porsche into the teen’s SUV on September 7 in an alleged drunk driving incident
Poole (pictured in the hospital) suffered ‘catastrophic’ injuries and has had to endure several surgeries as a result of the fiery crash
Although he made it out alive, Poole suffered ‘catastrophic’ injuries and has had to endure several surgeries as a result of the fiery crash.
‘Aidan is now in the burn unit in Lubbock with severe and life-changing burns and is facing multiple surgeries,’ the donation page read. ‘Aidan is also experiencing significant trauma and PTSD from the crash.’
Poole not only had his life forever changed that day, but lost everything that he had with him in the car, including his school supplies, clothing and other necessary essentials.
He spent weeks in a hospital burn unit before being transferred to an inpatient rehab facility, where his mom and dad, James Poole, visit him everyday.
‘We get up to the hospital about six in the morning and just visit him for a little while,’ Kristi said.
‘Then, we head to work then we come back here after work to Amarillo, stay for the evening, have dinner with him, we don’t leave his room, then we go back to the Airbnb then start it all over again.’
When she and her husband aren’t there, Poole’s mother said his longtime girlfriend, Jadzia Adams, looks after him.
Poole’s car (pictured) flew into the air after it was hit. When it landed it burst into flames after the gas tank exploded
Rich, a director of Chief Oilfield Technologies LLC, an oil and gas company in Midland, was driving at an ‘excessive rate of speed’
The alleged drunk driver, who lives in a $1.2 million home in Midland, has been charged with intoxication assault, but was released on bail Tuesday
‘We’re overwhelmed with gratitude and thankfulness. I can’t thank them enough for the help. Family, friends, coworkers, people we have never met. Thank you,’ his parents said.
Poole has been described as a ‘selfless, tender-hearted, intelligent, and kind’ person who also has ‘a witty sense of humor that draws people in,’ the page detailed.
He also enjoys rock climbing, playing video games and spending time with Adams, who’s been ‘steadfast by his side’ through it all.
As of Wednesday afternoon nearly $35,000 was raised to help Poole’s family during this challenging time.
