Aberdeenshire teenager fights for life in New York

A fundraiser's been set up for the former Ellon Academy pupil who was hit by a car while walking back to his dorm

Former Ellon Academy pupil, Ethan Walker is being treated for injuries in New York
Author: Anita StrattonPublished 23rd Sep 2023

A fundraiser has set up for a former Aberdeenshire footballer who was hit by a car in New York.

17 year old Ethan Walker's mum has flown to be by his side in hospital.

The former Ellon Academy pupil and Huntly FC player is being treated for multiple broken bones and bleeding in the brain.

It's hoped the appeal can help raise $50,000 towards the cost of his medical bills.

Ethan's friend Benjamin Bacon set up the GoFundMe page. He wrote: "Ethan was having a great start to the season; he’s starting center back on our very competitive Genesee Community College soccer team."

"Unfortunately Ethan’s season has come to an end. On Tuesday, September 12, Ethan was walking back to his dorm and was struck by a car going at least 45 mph. Thankfully he was with two teammates who were able to get the ambulance and police there right away which saved his life. Ethan ended up having to be airlifted to the hospital and put into ICU where they fought to keep him alive."

"The medical staff said he was suffering from a shattered right scapula, dislocated right knee, tearing of all the ligaments in his right knee, multiple fractures in the right side of his face, skull fractures as well as swelling and bleeding in the brain. Ethan’s mother was notified and she was able to book a flight and get here from Scotland only a day later. You can only imagine what she was going through as her son was fighting for his life and she was across the world from him."

" I’m making this gofundme to support Ethan and his family through this time. You can only imagine the expenses being incurred by his family. As an international student and athlete you do get health insurance but only up to a certain amount and it’s the bare minimum they get just so they can play in their desired sport. This tragedy was extremely unexpected and on behalf of me and my family and Ethan’s close friends, teammates, coaches, and administrators we wanted to set up this go fund me to help and assist Ethan and his family through this long, difficult, and painful process of recovery and healing, and getting Ethan back out on the pitch as soon as possible."

To donate to the fundraiser, click here