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Andrew Thompson, 17, is shown engaging in one of his favorite pastimes, riding a horse. He is now in a Beaumont hospital in a coma after an alleged drunk driver struck his vehicle from behind. Courtesy photo
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BC teen fighting for life
Thompson in Beaumont hospital after being struck by alleged drunk driver
Andrew Thompson,17, was on his way home after a long day at school and working a part-time job and was only 1/2 block from home when he was struck by an alleged drunk driver.
According to reports from the Bridge City police department, at 6:24 p.m. on Tuesday, Thompson was driving a Jeep Wrangler on FM 1442 near Regal Point Drive. He had stopped in the lane of traffic to let an oncoming vehicle pass.
Jeffrey Allen LeBlanc, 51, who was driving a 1997 Lincoln Town Car was also traveling on FM 1442 when he struck the back of the Jeep. It is believed he was trying to pass the Jeep because the Lincoln received front left damage.
As a result, the Jeep was forced into the path of oncoming traffic.
The Jeep struck a vehicle driven by 60-year-old Camelia Wilkes. She was transported to a local hospital with non-compacitating injuries, according to reports.
LeBlanc reportedly received no injuries. He was arrested and charged with intoxication assault. If convicted of the third degree felony charge he could receive up to 10 years in prison.
Witnesses at the scene said they were about to call 911 about an erratic driver when the incident occurred.
R.J. and Eileen Reynolds, Thompson’s grandparents, were at home awaiting his arrival. Thompson’s younger brother informed them of a “bad” wreck close to their residence.
R.J. Reynolds immediately knew he had to call Thompson to make sure he was all right since it was about time for him to arrive.
Reynolds rushed to the scene to find the Jeep in the ditch and Thompson laying nearby. Initially Thompson was knocked unconscious but “woke up screaming.”
Reynolds did his best to keep him from thrashing around by holding his arms. According to Reynolds, this was not an easy task.
“He’s a big boy,” he added.
Reynolds stops to pause when the thinks about the night which changed his grandson’s life.
“I looked him in the face and he acted like he didn’t know who I was,” he added.
Reynolds helped emergency personnel load Thompson into the ambulance.
Thompson was transported to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital. He is currently on a ventilator with brain injuries. He is also in a drug-induced coma. Family and doctors won’t know his prognosis until the swelling from his brain goes down.
In addition, he has two spinal fractures. His grandparents are hopeful that after many months of rehabilitation he will recover. For now, all they can do is wait.
The Bridge City High School junior loved horses and is known as a “good kid.”
He also played on the BCHS football team as offensive right tackle.
Reynolds knows it won’t help his grandson now as he fights for his life, but he hopes LeBlanc is prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2609 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.
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