A tragic accident leaves 6-year-old Elliott Ellis in critical condition after being struck by a car in Pleasant View, Utah.
PLEASANT VIEW, Utah – A tragic incident unfolded in the Evergreen Village Manufactured Home Community on December 26th, when 6-year-old Elliott Ellis was struck by a vehicle, leaving him in critical condition. Elliott, known for his playful spirit and goofy demeanor, was outside enjoying the holiday break with his older brother, Gus, when the unthinkable happened.
Elliott's aunt, Mary Schulz, recounted the heartbreaking moment she received the news. "My brother Kai called, and he was just crying, two words out at a time and just told me that Elliott got hit by a car," Schulz shared. The accident occurred as Elliott crossed in front of the vehicle driven by a woman who is not related to him. Tragically, Gus witnessed the entire incident, which added to the agony of the moment.
In a frantic rush, Gus ran to their home to alert their mother. "His mom came out, and she started yelling, screaming, and then Gus came in and told my brother. They were able to call 911," Schulz explained. First responders arrived quickly, but the aftermath was harrowing. Elliott was pinned beneath the car, and it took the fire department's assistance to extricate him.
Once freed, Elliott was rushed to Primary Children’s Hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition. As the family rallies around him, they are faced with the grim reality of his injuries, which include broken bones in his pelvis, ribs, collarbone, and fingers. Currently, he is on a ventilator and heavily sedated. "The biggest concern right now is his lungs. They're just so tired. The doctors did say it's going to get worse before it gets better," Schulz noted, emphasizing the family’s uncertainty as they take each day as it comes.
Elliott’s vibrant personality is sorely missed by his loved ones. "Those kids would be like, 'Aunt Mary, want to play Fortnite?' And I'm like, 'I'm still sleeping. It is Saturday.' The sun comes up, and that kid is up," Schulz reflected. The stark contrast of Elliott’s typical energy to his current state of pain and sedation has deeply affected his family. "Just seeing how much pain he is in, like I really do wish—I think all of us, his grandparents, his uncles, me, his aunts—just wish we could take it away."
In the wake of this incident, the family is also focusing on the emotional well-being of Gus, who witnessed the traumatic event. Schulz revealed that therapists at Primary Children’s Hospital are providing support for him. The psychological toll of witnessing such an incident can be profound, especially for a child. "What happened stays with her, especially when she gets behind the wheel," Schulz said, reflecting on the need for heightened awareness among drivers.
"Since this has happened, I’m like, I don’t care what music’s playing. I put my phone on silent. It’s somebody’s family, and it’s someone’s baby. The more we can do just to be aware, the more that we can do to just focus on the road, I think would be huge," she emphasized. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance, particularly in residential neighborhoods.
Authorities from the Pleasant View Police Department have confirmed that the incident is currently under investigation. While they were unable to comment on camera, they did mention the presence of speed bumps throughout the neighborhood, which are intended to slow down traffic and enhance pedestrian safety. Police emphasized that the situation is being treated as an accident, but the investigation aims to gather all pertinent details.
In an effort to support the family during this challenging time, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with Elliott’s medical expenses. The community has shown an outpouring of support, reflecting the tight-knit nature of Pleasant View, where residents often come together in times of crisis.
As Elliott’s family waits and hopes for his recovery, they are acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The emotional and financial burdens of such a traumatic event can be overwhelming. However, their focus remains on Elliott, praying for his strength and resilience in the face of adversity. As they navigate this difficult journey, they hope for a positive outcome and the eventual return of the joyful, goofy boy they know and love.