An 18-year-old survivor of a fatal car crash in which his friend and South Fremantle Football Club teammate Nick Campo died, Tyler Rowe, recently spoke to Nine News Perth about the tragic events. Rowe was a passenger in the ute that crashed, rolled, and collided with an SUV on Farrington Road. He expressed regret that he couldn’t have prevented Campo from getting in the car, hoping it would have saved his friend’s life. Campo died at the scene of the accident, while the 17-year-old driver, Rowe, and two other teenage passengers were injured and taken to the hospital.
Rowe suffered severe injuries including multiple injuries to his face and skull, as well as a broken neck, pelvis, and jaw. He was in a coma for 11 days after the crash. Doctors gave him a 50-50 chance of survival in a permanent vegetative state. Recently, after five weeks in the hospital, Rowe was discharged from Royal Perth Hospital and moved to Fiona Stanley for rehabilitation. He is undergoing daily physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions. The young apprentice mechanic has lost 10 kilograms since the accident and wears a neck brace as he continues his recovery.
Rowe admitted that he has a “big mental blank” when trying to remember the night of the crash. He cannot recall getting in the car and waking up in the hospital with no memory of what happened. He expressed disbelief upon learning from his parents that he was in a car accident. Rowe is now focused on his recovery and rehabilitation, working hard to regain his strength and mobility. Despite his injuries and the loss of his friend, he remains determined and hopeful for the future.
Tyler Rowe’s story highlights the devastating impact of car accidents on young lives and serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices. The loss of his friend Nick Campo has deeply affected Rowe, who wishes he could have prevented the tragic events that led to his friend’s death. The emotional and physical toll of the crash and injuries on Rowe and his loved ones is immense, but he remains determined to overcome the challenges he faces in his recovery. The support and care he receives from healthcare professionals and his family are crucial in his journey towards healing and rebuilding his life.
The community, including his football club and friends, has come together to support Rowe in his recovery. The kindness and compassion shown towards him during this difficult time have provided comfort and strength as he navigates the challenges of rehabilitation. The resilience and determination displayed by Rowe in the face of adversity are truly inspiring, serving as a testament to the power of human spirit and the bonds of friendship. As he continues to heal and progress in his recovery journey, Rowe’s story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
In sharing his story, Tyler Rowe raises awareness about the consequences of reckless driving and the impact it can have on young individuals and their families. His experience serves as a cautionary tale, urging others to prioritize safety and responsible behavior behind the wheel. By speaking out about his ordeal and the loss of his friend, Rowe highlights the importance of making smart decisions and looking out for one another on the road. Through his courage and resilience, he inspires others to value their lives and the lives of those around them, emphasizing the need for vigilance and accountability in preventing tragic accidents like the one he endured.
