Son injured in Cedar City crash remains in critical condition; family asking for prayers

Cedar City firefighters and police work on scene after a semi ran over a small-passenger vehicle Tuesday evening that made a left-hand turn to go north in front of the semi traveling south, Cedar City News, Aug. 22, 2017 | Photo courtesy of Cedar City Police Department, St. George News / Cedar City News

CEDAR CITY – The family of a 16-year-old high school student and his father both critically injured in a crash have launched a fundraising page to help raise money for medical costs.

Cedar City firefighters and police work on scene after a semi ran over a small-passenger vehicle Tuesday evening that made a left-hand turn to go north in front of the semi traveling south, Cedar City News, Aug. 22, 2017 | Photo courtesy of Cedar City Police Department, St. George News / Cedar City News

The fundraising page identifies the two males as Obie Nef and his father, Darwin Nef, as the parties involved in a collision with a semitractor-trailer Tuesday.

According to the fundraising page, Obie Nef’s injuries include bleeding and swelling of the brain, a broken collarbone and multiple broken ribs. He also suffered facial and pelvis fractures.

The family created a Facebook group to provide updates on the medical status of their loved ones. Obie Nef was reported to still be in critical condition Thursday. His father is stable and recovering but remains in pain. He does not remember the accident, his family posted.

The family is asking for lots of prayers.

Money donated to the fundraising page will be used to help cover the costs of the medical bills as Obie Nef was transported by Life Flight to the Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.

Darwin Nef was taken by helicopter to Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George.

Cedar City firefighters and police work on scene after a semi ran over a small-passenger vehicle Tuesday evening that made a left-hand turn to go north in front of the semi traveling south, Cedar City News, Aug. 22, 2017 | Photo courtesy of Cedar City Police Department, St. George News / Cedar City News

The crash remains under investigation. However, authorities believe the 16-year-old, who was driving a green BMW, tried to enter state Route 130 from an access road turning left in front of a semi driving southbound on SR-130. The incident happened at around 6:30 p.m Tuesday.

The semi, whose driver was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision, ran over the vehicle, Cedar City Police Sgt. Jerry Womack said.

Both males were trapped inside the burning BMW when officers arrived on scene and extinguished the flames. Police were able to get the father out of the vehicle but firefighters had to extricate the juvenile.

Darwin and Obie Nef were both taken to the Cedar City Hospital before being transported by Life Flight.

No citations have been issued at this time.

To support the Nef family’s medical costs, visit the fundraising page. Donations are also being accepted at Mountain America Credit Union under the account name of Darwin and Obie Nef. There are no fees for donating at the bank.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @tracie_sullivan

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2017, all rights reserved.

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1 Comment

  • youcandoit August 25, 2017 at 1:28 am

    I feel for you as when my son was 20yrs old driving a BMW he also sustained head injury 3 bleeds to middle of his brain face shattered collar bone broke ribs broke lungs punctured. I had him blessed. Also bring his music and favorite cologne he needs to be surrounded by familiar smells and sounds I would also massage my sons feet and hands with lavender oil and sang to him. Prayers sent your way. Oh and I never would say good bye when I left. I had to drive back and forth between Vegas then salt lake city when they transported him to the acute rehabilitation facility. Don’t always believe the Dr. He said my son would be there 9months to a yr he was in hospital 4 and half months.

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