The condition of a toddler struck by a vehicle over the weekend is improving, according to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics staff.
Ashton Houck, 2, wandered into traffic on South Park Avenue between noon and 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, where he was hit by a truck, resulting in life-threatening injuries.
According to his aunt, Heather Rairden-Sheehan, the child was transported by air to University of Iowa hospitals with multiple skull fractures, orbital fractures, a torn trachea, road rash and severe bruising.
Rairden-Sheehan said Ashton’s mother, Ashley Sheehan, left her son in the care of a friend while she took her daughter to bowling league Saturday.
It’s still unclear how Ashton got out of the house on his own.
“Things happen in a split second that can change your life forever,” Rairden-Sheehan said.
Initially, Ashton was unable to breath on his own and swelling of his brain was a major concern. Now, the worst of the family’s fears are over.
“I can’t confirm the nature of his injuries, but I do have the official condition from the charge nurse as ‘fair,’” said University of Iowa Health Care Media Relations Specialist Molly Rossiter.
According to Rairden-Sheehan, aside from the risk of infection, Ashton is in the clear.
Donations for the family are being collected through Casey’s General Stores in Osceola and online through a fund entitled, “Ashtons recovery” at GoFundMe.com.