West Haven Resident Paralyzed After Crash With Negligent Driver

WEST HAVEN, CT — One month after embarking on a life-long dream of becoming a “cast member” with an internship at Disney World, West Haven’s Gabriella Murillo is in the fight of her life after a horrific car accident has left her paralyzed from the neck down. Murillo’s life changed forever on June 15 when she and her friend were at a complete stop when they were rear-ended by a negligent driver, according to family members.

The crash left Murillo with a spinal cord C3, C4, and C5 vertebrae injury along with her nerves being completely severed, Jennifer Murillo – Gabriella’s sister, wrote on a GoFundMe page. Gabriella is paralyzed from the neck down, Jennifer Murillo said.

The accident occurred miles away from her home in Orlando, Florida, where Gabriella was embarking on her life-long dream with an internship for Disney. Her parents flew down to Florida to be by her side as the family awaits her recovery. Gabriella is the youngest of four children.

“Gabby's strength and determination has allowed her to successfully undergo two major surgeries,” Jennifer Murillo wrote on the GoFundMe page that was launched to help the family with medical expenses. “She is currently in ICU on a ventilator awaiting to see if she can breathe on her own. With the help of your prayers, our hope is for Gabby to eventually be strong enough to undergo spinal rehabilitation where she will begin the journey of discovering a new normal.

“We are grateful and blessed that she is still here with us and are asking for your generosity in raising money to cover the enormous expenses that she along with her family will incur in the coming months. These costs include helping her navigate her life in a specialized wheelchair, medical expenses, travel expenses, hotel stays for her family, 24-hour care and more. While we don't know the full cost of what Gabby is going to need yet, we know that she is going to need her family's house modified along with specialized equipment for simple day to day activities.”

The West Haven community’s response to the crash and fundraising effort has been overwhelming. More than $15,700 was raised by 243 people within the first four hours of the GoFundMe campaign.

“We are grateful and blessed to have family, friends and our local community offering to help in some way,” Jennifer Murillo wrote. “The reality and severity of her injuries will mean that financial support is the most effective way that you can help Gabby out. On behalf of our family and Gabby, we THANK YOU for your prayers, your help, your generosity and support through this challenging time.”

In an update late Wednesday, after more than than $44,000 was raised in less than 24 hours, Jennifer Murillo wrote, "Absolutely incredible! Gabby has cried tears of joy and is so grateful for every dollar everyone has donated. Let’s keep this & Gabby's spirit going!!!!"

(UPDATE: More than $1000,000 has been raised as of July 3)

For more information, or to make a donation, visit the GoFundMe page here.

See also: Paralyzed West Haven Woman, 22, Set For More Surgery

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