head on car accident between white and red car
Mayukh Saha
Mayukh Saha
October 3, 2024 ·  4 min read

Teen’s Eye ‘Exploded Like Grape’ in Car Accident After Sun Blinded Her Despite Driving Very Slow

In a heartbreaking turn of events, 18-year-old Ohio student Kylie Dean was left with life-altering injuries after a car accident at a speed of less than 10 miles per hour. Kylie was driving to school on the morning of September 20 when the bright sunlight blinded her, causing her car to roll into another vehicle parked at a stop sign. Despite the low impact of the crash, Kylie’s proximity to the steering wheel resulted in a devastating injury to her right eye, shattering the socket and leaving her family and community grappling with the aftermath.

The Catastrophic Consequences of a Low-Speed Collision

Kylie Dean
Image Credits: Kennedy News Media

What should have been a minor fender bender turned into a nightmare for Kylie and her family. Her mother, Kelly Dean, recounted the horrifying moment she received an alert about the crash: “I rushed over and found her covered in blood. It was terrifying.” Though the crash occurred at a mere 10mph, Kylie’s close position to the steering wheel caused her right eye socket to shatter upon impact. Doctors likened the injury to her eye “exploding like a grape,” a harrowing description of the damage. The impact also caused her nose and teeth to break, with the iris and lens of her right eye being completely removed. Kylie’s tear duct was also torn, compounding the severity of her injuries.

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A Long Road to Recovery

Kylie after the car accident
Image Credits: Kennedy News Media

Following the crash, Kylie was rushed to the hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery to close the globe of her right eye. Her mother described the days that followed as “excruciating” as Kylie underwent treatment and began her slow recovery. On September 25, Kylie was discharged from the hospital, but her battle was far from over. She now faces months of rehabilitation and awaits prosthetic eye parts, which will be made by a specialist company in Germany. Kylie is also waiting for dental implants to repair the damage done to her teeth, but her family is struggling to cover the costs. “We have good insurance, but they won’t cover dental implants because they’re considered cosmetic,” Kelly explained. The family estimates the total cost of dental work to be around $20,000.

The Emotional and Physical Toll

Kylie in the car accident
Image Credits: Kennedy News Media

The emotional impact of the crash on Kylie has been profound. In addition to the physical pain, she’s grappling with the loss of her abilities. “I’ve lost so much because of it,” Kylie said. “I just want to be able to do everything I was doing before.” Before the crash, Kylie was a talented musician and actor, but her injuries have left her unable to play instruments or pursue her passions. She expressed her desire to regain her independence and return to a sense of normalcy, but without the necessary surgeries and implants, that goal remains uncertain. “If I don’t get the implants and plastic surgery, I won’t be able to drive, act, or play music again,” she shared.

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A Community Rallies for Support

Kylie's family
Image Credits: Kennedy News Media

In the wake of the accident, Kylie’s family has turned to their community for support. They’ve set up a GoFundMe page in hopes of raising the funds needed for her remaining surgeries. “This is everything she is and everything she’s worked to become,” Kelly said on LadBible. The family is hopeful that with enough financial assistance, Kylie will be able to undergo the surgeries that will restore her quality of life. “It would mean everything to her to get enough funds to go ahead with the surgery,” her mother added. Kylie’s story has touched the hearts of many, with donations pouring in from friends, family, and even strangers who are moved by her resilience and determination.

Looking Toward the Future

Kylie after the car accident
Image Credits: Kennedy News Media

Despite the challenges ahead, Kylie remains optimistic about her future. She understands the long road she must travel, but she’s determined to regain what she has lost. “Having the GoFundMe and getting the money for the procedures would allow me to go back to the way I was before the accident,” she said. With the support of her family and community, Kylie hopes to one day return to the activities she loves and rebuild her life. Her story serves as a reminder of how quickly life can change and the resilience it takes to move forward in the face of unimaginable adversity. If you’d like to contribute to Kylie’s recovery, donations can be made through her GoFundMe page.

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